I've heard that leukemia is common among nuclear technicians. Is this true? Are there any other long term health risks?
2006-12-22 11:25:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
You'd probably get more chronic radiation exposure as
a pilot (from cosmic radiation). But if there is a problem....it
could be a doosy.
On the other hand, working around those areas would
expose you not only to low level radiation chronically, but
also to certain chemicals of the trade....mainly associated
with the electrical hardware. These both can contribute
to cancer...but, it is thought, only after a few decades.
The effects of the low fequency
EM fields associated with power transmission (i.e. power line syndrome) are probably too small to do much.
2006-12-22 11:39:19 · answer #1 · answered by farmer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exposure to any form of radiation, including the simple x-ray of say, your hand to determine if it is broken - destroys healthy cells - skin,muscle, bone, blood, whatever. An occasional exposure will not cause a problem - you trade the death of a few cells which will be replaced by your body for the diagnosis of a fracture vs.a sprain. If you are an X-ray technician there is no reason for you to be exposed - lead shield, lead aprons, and best don't get near the beam or the scatter of the x-radiation. If you work inside a nuclear plant you should be provided with so many safety rules and so much safety equipment that you are also never exposed. If there is a nuclear accident inside the plant - death from cancer is just a matter of time - if you are significantly exposed. If you live near or down wind from a nuclear reactor and there is a major accident that releases radiation into the air - again, it is just a matter of time before those exposed die of cancer. The unborn will be born deformed in some way. Rule of thumb - stay away.
2006-12-22 11:55:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, lukemia should be considered and long term health risks as well. People working at or near any nuclear facility probably make more money than if the people in the same business located 50+ miles away from a nuclear plant would. I would have to say it's because of the hazardous exposure. Do you enjoy life? Please consider your family children or future children when considering an employment position of this kind. You can check with the local health board to find out about any medical findings near this facility. Good Luck
2016-05-23 16:49:50 · answer #3 · answered by Elizabeth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The nuclear industry is the safest industry in the US. It has had the fewest deaths and/or injuries of any industry. It has triple checks on things where most have double. All technicians wear film badges that are checed daily and few have received any radiation. Unless there is a major accident such as in Chernobyl, there is no health risk. no leuemia. Any radiation leakage is published and there have been none that are injurious. Even 3 mile Island in PA did not release anything significant. I did monitoring.
2006-12-22 12:04:52 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As cheesy as it sounds, wasn't that what the movie Erin Brachovich was about? Everyone living in a nuclear area getting cancer?
2006-12-22 11:28:44 · answer #5 · answered by FOS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing!! Repeat after me. "Nuclear energy is our friend."
Say that to yourself everytime you have a worry about it. Nuclear waste is a myth, Meltdowns are a myth. 2+2=5.
2006-12-22 11:34:05 · answer #6 · answered by Bobby the Brain 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋