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Asbestos Exposure: Questions and AnswersKey Points"Asbestos" is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers (see Question 1).Exposure toasbestosmay increase the risk of asbestosis,lung cancer,mesothelioma, and o...
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I was exposed to asbestos dust in my home as a result of some minor renovations. Should this be considered a major minor health concern for my family and me?
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Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy penetrating radiation (x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, and neutron rays) to kill cancer cells. Purpose The primary purpose of radiotherapy is to eliminate or shrink localized cancers.
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Electromagnetic waves of extremely short wavelength (X-rays and gamma rays) and accelerated atomic particles (such as electrons, protons, neutrons, and alpha particles) deposit enough localized energy in an absorbing medium to dislodge electrons from atoms with which they interact and to disrupt chemical bonds. The loss of electrons creates particles known as " ions, " and these types of radiation are termed " ionizing radiation.
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Radiation and radioisotopes are extensively used medications to allow physicians to image internal structures and processes in vivo (in the living body) with a minimum of invasion to the patient. Higher doses of radiation are also used as means to kill cancerous cells.
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Nonionizing radiation, in contrast to ionizing radiation, is electromagnetic radiation that does not have sufficient energy to remove electrons from an atom or molecules to form an ion (or charged particle) during a collision. Instead, it imparts energy to other particles, which typically results in heating.
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The principal adverse health effects of sunlight are caused by the ultraviolet and visible radiation it contains. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) comprises a spectrum of electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths, subdivided for convenience into three bands, which are measured in nanometers (nm):(1) UVA ( " black light " ), 315 to 400 nm; (2) UVB, 280 to 315 nm; and (3) UVC (which is germicidal), 200 to 280 nm.
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What kind of radiation causes thyroid cancer? What about microwave ovens and dental x-rays?
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Can a breast that has undergone radiation treatment for cancer be biopsied in the future, if necessary?
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My father had a pacemaker implanted five years ago. He wants to purchase a new 5.8 GHz cordless phone. I have heard the cellular phones have had some interference with pacemakers; is this also true of digital cordless phones at this frequency?
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According to recent reports, the radiation used during a heart stress test can set off security alarms used in buildings and airports.
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Treating Bladder Cancer: RadiationRadiation is a way of treating cancer. Radiation uses beams of energy to destroy cancer cells.
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Can radiation treatments for prostate cancer damage the bladder, causing it to bleed 10 years after the radiation?
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