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Lancs Industries Blog - The Radiation Post
Our blog covers topics relevant to the nuclear industry, from radon and radioactive decay to cosmic radiation and how to dispose of radiation waste. Don’t see a topic you’re looking for? Let us know
Is Radiation Ever Good For You?
The majority of the time, we view ionizing forms of radiation as dangerous – and that’s a good premise to hold. In high doses, or in low exposure doses over an extended period of time, ionizing radiation damages DNA, which leads to defects, cancer, and other radiation-related illnesses. The flip side of that story is…
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring element that off-gases from the earth’s crust, as well as part of the radioactive decay process of other radioactive elements. It’s also the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and smokers who live or work in a building with high radon levels experience much higher rates of lung cancer…
What is Radioactive Decay?
The majority of the elements in the periodic table are “stable,” and non-radioactive. Some, however, are unstable and experience a process called radioactive decay, during which they emanate ionizing radiation. Unlike other forms of radiation, ionizing radiation is harmful to the human body because it alters our DNA. Longterm and/or overexposure to ionizing radiation can…
UV Radiation: What You Need to Know
There is no way to avoid sources of radiation if you live on planet earth. From the ultra-violet (UV) radiation we’re exposed to from the sun to cosmic, micro- and other forms of radiation – we encounter small and manageable radioactive doses as a part of daily life. Fortunately, a little education and some basic,…
What You Need to Know About X-Ray Backscatter Scanners and Safety
The good news for most Americans is that X-ray backscatter scanners are no longer used in airports, and therefore, they are no longer a source of daily radiation for regular travelers. Whether these devices were a threat – and how much of a risk they posed – has yet to be determined. In the meantime,…
What Are the Three Principles of Radiation Protection
Radiation protection is a critical aspect of safety in various industries, especially nuclear energy and healthcare. This article expands upon the three fundamental principles of radiation safety, grounded in the broader paradigm of ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable), a concept widely recognized in radiation safety protocols. The principle of ALARA was established as a…
What is Cosmic Radiation?
The term cosmic radiation is an umbrella term, encompassing all of the radioactive sources in the universe. Fortunately, here on earth, our atmosphere serves as one of the most powerful radiation shielding and protective products – and it’s free. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to prevent the destruction of the earth’s…
Is Microwave Radiation Dangerous?
Microwaves have been around since the 1960s, but they have long-suffered from erroneous suspicions that their radioactive mechanisms are harmful. This is understandable since the word radiation inspires caution and fear for many. However, microwaves operate using non-ionizing radiation. This means it doesn’t harm or scramble cellular DNA, nor does it leave any radioactive residue…
Disposing of Radioactive Waste
Ideally, any industry, university lab, manufacturing plant, medical facility or nuclear power plant should have a Radiation Safety Officer and established safety plan for disposing of radioactive waste. Failure to do so has disastrous effects on plants, animals and humans who are unknowingly exposed. Take, for instance, the city of Goias, Brazil – where robbers…