Understanding Radiation Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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In summary, the short answer is that death by radiation is painful, as it is caused by organ failure resulting from tissue death. Symptoms can include emphysema, dehydration, and ultimately death from internal bleeding and infections. The specific symptoms may vary, but they will likely be severe and result in a slow and painful death. This is evident in the reported case of a man who died from radiation in 1945, experiencing 26 days of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin sloughing. The difference between gamma and alpha rays is that with gammas, you typically get a whole-body dose, while alphas can burn the skin externally and cause internal damage if ingested.
  • #1
EinsteinII
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Hi,

Does death by radiation painful? Is there any difference in R.S. caused by gamma rays and alpha rays?
 
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  • #2
The short answer is: yes. They don't die from radiation directly, they die from organ failure which happens as a result of organ tissue death. The specific symptoms may be wide-ranging, but they'll probably include things like emphysema, as the lung tissue dies, dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea (which messes up your electrolytes, which messes up your muscles and eventually your heart).


Here's a report of a radiation death in 1945:
http://members.tripod.com/~Arnold_Dion/Daghlian/sickness.html
 
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  • #3
Thank you for this information... After reading the whole thing (withdrawing the idea after suspecting super criticality). Does this mean he escaped a quick death and died a painful death?
 
  • #4
EinsteinII said:
Thank you for this information... After reading the whole thing (withdrawing the idea after suspecting super criticality). Does this mean he escaped a quick death and died a painful death?

26 days of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sloughing skin. It sure reads like a slow, painful death...
 
  • #5
A couple of things to note:

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) requires the following:
-Large dose of penetrating radiation
-Over a short period
-All or majority of the body must be exposed

Typically, we think that an exposure of 4-5 Sv (1 Sv = 100 rem) with no medical intervention will result in a Lethal Dose to 50% of the population. Note the the Sievert (Sv) is a unit of Dose Equivalent which is supposed to represent, in some way, the more damaging effects of certain types of radiation.

Typically, ARS causes death by damaging the bone marrow (sometimes called blood forming organs) which results in the internal bleeding and infections which kills the person.

Here are some links to information about Acute Radiation Syndrome:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/nucene/radexp.html#c1
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/ars.asp
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/arsphysicianfactsheet.asp
 
  • #6
EinsteinII said:
Hi,

Is there any difference in R.S. caused by gamma rays and alpha rays?

With gammas, you're typically going to get a whole-body dose. With external exposure to alphas, pretty much all it can do is burn your skin, corneas, etc. Internal exposure to alphas is different -- that's what happened in the recent assassination of the Russian guy in London.
 

FAQ: Understanding Radiation Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

1. What is radiation sickness?

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome, is a group of symptoms that occur when a person is exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can damage cells and tissues in the body, leading to a range of health issues.

2. What causes radiation sickness?

Radiation sickness is caused by exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or radioactive materials. This exposure can occur in a variety of settings, including nuclear accidents, medical procedures, or occupational exposure.

3. What are the symptoms of radiation sickness?

The symptoms of radiation sickness can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, radiation sickness can also cause hair loss, skin burns, and damage to the central nervous system.

4. How is radiation sickness treated?

The treatment for radiation sickness depends on the severity of the exposure. In cases of mild exposure, the body can often repair itself over time. However, in more severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary. This can include medications to manage symptoms, blood transfusions to help replace damaged blood cells, and stem cell transplants to help repair damaged bone marrow.

5. Is radiation sickness preventable?

While it is not always possible to prevent exposure to ionizing radiation, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk. This includes following safety protocols and using protective equipment when working in environments with potential radiation exposure. In the event of a nuclear accident, following evacuation and sheltering guidelines can also help reduce exposure levels.

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