What You Should Know About Radiation Exposure in the Workplace

 Posted on September 23, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Radiation is a form of energy that travels through space in waves. The sun, for example, produces massive amounts of radiation in the form of heat and light upon which we rely for our very existence. Similarly, a microwave oven uses radiation to agitate water molecules in food, which, in turn, heats the food, leaving it perfectly safe to eat. Even the music you hear coming from the speakers in your car is being transmitted to your ear as radio waves—yet another form of radiation. Some kinds of radiation, however, are not quite so benign, and they have the power to cause injury and even death.

Every day, thousands of workers in hundreds of different jobs are exposed to various types of radiation in the course of their work. If you have been exposed to unsafe levels of radiation and you have suffered illness or injury as a result, you may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits.

Recognizing Harmful Forms of Radiation

When most people think of harmful radiation, they tend to think of “ionizing” radiation. Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that carries enough energy to ionize atoms, which can destabilize molecules within the body’s cells and cause tissue damage. Beta particle radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays are particularly dangerous types of ionizing radiation.

“Non-ionizing” radiation, by comparison, is much less powerful than ionizing radiation, and the applications of non-ionizing radiation are generally considered to be much safer. Microwave, radio wave, very low frequency (VLF), and extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation are all non-ionizing forms of radiation. Long-term exposure, however, to non-ionizing radiation can have serious cumulative effects on the body—especially on the skin and eyes.

Dangerous Jobs

There are many different jobs in which exposure to radiation is quite common. These include but are not limited to:

• Airplane pilots and flight crews

• Radiologic technicians

• Dental hygienists

• Nurses

• Surgeons

• Security personnel using metal detectors or x-ray machines

• Cell tower workers

• Hazardous material removers

Radiation Poisoning Symptoms

Indications of radiation exposure or poisoning are not always immediate. In fact, only the most severe cases usually cause immediate symptoms. Usually, symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and other indicators are not evident until several hours or even days later. More serious symptoms, such as hair loss and bodily infections, may take even longer.

If you are concerned that you were exposed to harmful radiation at work, it is important to seek medical attention at the first signs of any radiation-related symptoms. In most cases, symptoms generally appear in two distinct phases. The first phase usually includes malaise, nausea, and vomiting, which may dissipate completely before the second phase of more serious symptoms develops.

Call a California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Overexposure to radiation at work can lead to extremely serious problems, including cancer and death. If you have been exposed while on the job, it is important to work closely with a Santa Clara County harmful exposure attorney from Cramer + Martinez. Call 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation and review of your case. We look forward to helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

Source:

https://www.osha.gov/radiation