Radiation Exposure Work Injury
Radiation Exposure Work Injury
Radiation exposure has serious consequences. The human body simply doesn’t tolerate even the smallest amount of radiation. Couple this with radiation exposure over a long period of time and catastrophic illness can result. For many years people believed if safety precautions were followed then it was perfectly safe to work for a nuclear power plant or other facility that uses radiation. Do you work in an industry where you’re exposed to small levels of radiation? Do you suspect you’re suffering from ill health effects related to it? If you answered yes to both of those questions, call me today to discuss your claim and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Illnesses Caused by Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure can cause a range of illnesses depending on the amount of radiation absorbed, the type of radiation, and the duration of exposure. There are many jobs that involve ionizing radiation or electromagnetic radiation where workplace radiation exposure is increased. High doses of radiation, or long term exposure to small amounts of radiation can lead to physical injuries. Here are some of the illnesses caused by radiation exposure:
Acute Radiation Syndrome
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness or radiation toxicity, is a serious illness that results from exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation in a short period of time. The severity of ARS depends on the dose and duration of radiation exposure, as well as the individual’s overall health.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns, and decreased organ function. In severe cases, ARS can lead to death within hours or days of exposure.
The treatment of ARS depends on the severity of the illness, and the individual’s overall health. Treatment may include supportive care to manage symptoms, such as fluids and medications to control nausea and vomiting. In some cases, bone marrow transplants may be necessary to replace damaged bone marrow and restore the body’s ability to produce blood cells.
Cancer
Radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancers associated with high dose radiation exposure include leukemia, breast, bladder, colon, liver, lung, esophagus, ovarian, and thyroid cancer.
The treatment for cancer caused by radiation exposure depends on the type and stage of cancer. Radiation therapy may be used to treat certain types of cancer, including breast, bladder, and lung cancers,. Other treatments for cancer may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or a combination of treatments.
Cataracts
Radiation exposure can cause cataracts, Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects the lens of the eye, causing it to become cloudy and hazy, which can lead to a decrease in vision clarity and quality.
As cataracts progress, the lens of the eye becomes increasingly cloudy and thick, causing vision to become even more blurry and hazy. Symptoms also include difficulty seeing at night, seeing halos around bright lights, and experiencing a yellow or brown tint to vision.
Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include a visual acuity test.
The treatment of cataracts usually involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens implant. In some cases, cataracts can be managed through the use of prescription glasses, magnifying lenses, or brighter lighting.
Immune system suppression
Exposure to radiation can cause immune system suppression by damaging or killing the white blood cells responsible for protecting the body against infections and diseases. Radiation exposure can interfere with the normal function of the immune system by damaging DNA and other cellular components that are essential for immune cell survival and function. Additionally, radiation can also cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can further impair the immune system. The severity of immune suppression depends on the duration and intensity of exposure to radiation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation can cause severe immune suppression, making individuals more susceptible to infections, cancers, and other diseases.
Birth defects
Exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects in the developing fetus. The type and severity of birth defects depend on the timing and duration of the exposure, as well as the dose of radiation.
Some common birth defects that can be caused by radiation exposure include:
Microcephaly – a condition where the baby’s head is smaller than average due to underdevelopment of the brain.
Neural tube defects – birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord, including spina bifida.
Skeletal abnormalities – such as missing or extra bones, shortened limbs, or abnormal curvature of the spine.
Cleft lip and palate – a facial malformation where the lip and/or roof of the mouth do not form properly.
Eye abnormalities – including cataracts or other vision impairments.
Congenital heart defects – abnormalities in the structure of the heart that affect blood flow.
The effects of radiation exposure can vary depending on the individual and the amount of radiation absorbed. In general, high levels of radiation exposure can cause immediate and severe effects, while lower levels of exposure can lead to long-term health problems. It’s important to minimize exposure to radiation whenever possible and to always follow safety guidelines.
Professions Where Radiation Exposure May Occur
In an effort to increase occupational safety, Ohio lawmakers have worked to limit workplace radiation exposure. Exposure in the workplace can be long term, but in small doses, or direct contact with ionizing radiation possibly causing more immediate symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to radiation in the workplace you need to seek immediate medical attention. Then you need to call me. There is a claim to file because your employer has put your occupational safety and overall health at risk.
Radiation exposure can occur in a variety of professions, including:
Medical professionals
Medical and dental offices, hospitals, and outpatient treatment centers use ionizing radiation sources such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, which can pose a health risk to workers if not properly controlled.
Emergency response personnel
In the event of a nuclear or radiological incident, emergency response personnel may be exposed to radiation while responding to radiation emergencies.
Scientists and researchers
Scientists and researchers may work with ionizing or non ionizing radiation in their labs.
Construction workers
Construction workers who work on nuclear power plants or other facilities that use radioactive materials may be exposed to a dose of radiation through radioactive contamination.
Nuclear power industry workers
Workers in the nuclear power industry may be exposed to a radiation dose, radiation burns, have whole body exposure, or other radiation injuries.
Waste management workers
Exposure in the workplace in the waste management industry can happen through disposal of radioactive material.
Aircrews
Pilots, flight attendants, and other aircrew members may be exposed to cosmic radiation at high altitudes, which can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Underground hard-rock miners
Miners who work in underground hard-rock mines may be exposed to radiation from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth.
Nuclear weapons test participants
Military personnel who participated in nuclear weapons tests may have been exposed to radiation.
It’s important for workers in these professions to take appropriate safety measures to minimize their exposure to radiation and to follow established safety protocols to prevent radiation-related health issues.
Types of Radiation Exposure
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is a type of energy that has enough power to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. This process can cause damage to cells and tissues, leading to potential health effects. Ionizing radiation includes a range of electromagnetic waves and subatomic particles, including X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles.
Man-made sources of ionizing radiation include medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans, as well as nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons, and industrial processes that involve radioactive materials.
Exposure to ionizing radiation can have both immediate and long-term health effects, depending on the type and amount of radiation, as well as the duration and route of exposure. Acute effects of high-level radiation exposure can include radiation sickness, burns, and organ damage. Long-term effects may include an increased risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other chronic health conditions.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation refers to the transfer of energy through oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which travel through space in the form of waves. Electromagnetic radiation includes a wide range of energy types, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.
To minimize the potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation, it is important to limit exposure to sources of radiation, use protective equipment when appropriate, and follow safety procedures and guidelines established by regulatory agencies. Regular monitoring and surveillance of radiation exposure in the workplace and in medical settings can also help to reduce the risks associated with electromagnetic radiation.
Timeline of Ohio Radiation Safety Precaution Laws
Ohio has a history of enacting laws and regulations to protect workers from radiation exposure. Here’s a timeline of significant events and laws related to radiation exposure in Ohio:
1956: Ohio’s first radiation control law was enacted, and it required licensing of radioactive materials and radiation sources.
1965: The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) was designated as the agency responsible for regulating radiation sources in Ohio.
1969: The Ohio Revised Code was amended to include Chapter 3748, which established a comprehensive radiation control program in Ohio, including licensing, inspection, and enforcement.
1990: The Ohio Radiation Control Law was revised to include new requirements for the management of radioactive waste and for the registration of radiation machines.
2015: Ohio’s radiation control rules were updated to reflect changes in federal regulations and to clarify licensing requirements.
If You Have Been Exposed to Radiation, Get Screened Regularly
If someone is exposed to radiation, it is important for them to undergo regular medical monitoring to detect any potential negative health effects. The frequency of screening will depend on the dose and duration of exposure, as well as the individual’s overall health.
Radiation screening typically involves a physical exam and laboratory tests to measure radiation levels in the body. The specific tests used will depend on the type of radiation exposure and the potential health effects.
For example, if someone has been exposed to external radiation (such as from an industrial accident), they may undergo a blood test to check for changes in their blood cell count. If someone has ingested radioactive material (such as from contaminated food or water), they may undergo a urine test to measure the level of radioactivity in their body.
The Ohio Department of Health recommends that radiation workers undergo regular medical examinations. Workers need to monitor for radiation-related health effects. The frequency of these exams will depend on the type of work and the level of radiation exposure. For example, workers in high-risk jobs may undergo yearly medical exams, while workers in lower-risk jobs may undergo exams every two to three years.
If you believe you have been exposed to radiation, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. Your doctor can help determine if a radiation screening is necessary and can recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual situation.
Overall, the frequency of radiation screening will depend on the individual’s level of exposure and the potential health effects. Regular medical monitoring is important for detecting any potential health problems related to radiation exposure.
Radiation Exposure In The News
There have been recent news stories about radiation exposure in Ohio. In May 2019, an Ohio middle school was forced to close for the remainder of the academic year. There was enriched uranium and neptunium-237 (highly carcinogenic radioactive chemicals) that was discovered inside the school.
The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection is responsible for regulating and monitoring radiation sources in Ohio to protect public health and safety. The department provides guidance and resources for managing radiation sources in various settings, including healthcare, industry, and research.
The discovery of enriched uranium and neptunium-237 in an Ohio middle school highlights the importance of proper handling and management of radioactive materials to prevent potential harm to individuals and the environment. The incident also underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation of radiation sources in Ohio and across the United States.
Call Tim Misny today for help with your radiation exposure worker comp claim.
Your health and safety is paramount to me. You need to focus on your health and allow me to manage your workers’ compensation claim for radiation exposure. For more than 40 years, I’ve helped injured workers recover benefits they are entitled to and desperately need! Call 877-844-4373 to schedule a free consultation!
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