Unidad 3. Vídeo 5. Flipped FOL. Agentes físicos II: radiaciones y temperatura

Radiation Risks and Their Effects on Health

Types of Radiation

• Radiation is defined as the propagation of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles, which can be dangerous as they do not require a physical medium for transmission.

• There are two main types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation cannot alter molecules, while ionizing radiation can, making it significantly more hazardous.

Non-Ionizing Radiation Effects

• Examples of non-ionizing radiation include radio frequencies and microwaves from devices like radars and mobile phones, which can cause heating effects.

• Infrared radiation from sources such as the sun or hot surfaces can lead to burns and fatigue at high exposure levels.

• Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources may cause skin burns, loss of skin elasticity, and increase cancer risk.

Ionizing Radiation Effects

• Ionizing radiation can lead to significant health issues including loss of white blood cells affecting immunity, gastrointestinal damage, skin inflammation, reproductive system alterations leading to infertility, eye damage causing cataracts, cardiovascular issues, kidney fibrosis, and liver diseases like hepatitis.

Protection Against Ionizing Radiation

• Protective measures against ionizing radiation include zoning with color-coded signals: gray for monitored areas; green for controlled zones; yellow for limited access; red for prohibited zones where exposure exceeds safe limits.

Preventive Measures Against Radiation Exposure

Safety Protocols

• To mitigate risks from both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations:

• Clearly mark controlled areas based on exposure risk.

• Use protective barriers made from materials like lead or concrete between sources of radiation and individuals.

• Equip workers with personal protective gear such as goggles with special filters.

Worker Education & Monitoring

• It is crucial to inform workers about radiation risks through training sessions. Regular medical check-ups should be conducted for those exposed to ensure their health is monitored effectively.

Thermal Stress in Work Environments

Human Thermoregulation Mechanisms

• Humans maintain a constant internal temperature around 37 degrees Celsius using thermoregulatory mechanisms. In heat conditions, sweating increases blood flow to the skin to dissipate heat.

Heat-related Illnesses

Heat and Cold Stress in the Workplace

Heat-Related Illnesses

• Immediate action is crucial for someone suffering from heat stroke; failure to act can lead to irreversible neurological damage or death. The goal is to lower the person's body temperature below 39 degrees Celsius within two hours.

• Cooling methods include moving the person to a cooler location, removing clothing, and applying water. Hydration is essential in hot environments to prevent dehydration.

• Other potential heat-related issues include muscle cramps, exhaustion due to circulatory deficiency, fainting, skin rashes, and burns.

Cold-Related Illnesses

• In cold environments, risks include hypothermia, frostbite, general malaise, decreased manual and intellectual dexterity, and even cardiac arrest if body temperature drops below 28 degrees Celsius.

Legal Temperature Regulations

• Spanish legislation mandates specific temperature levels in workplaces: sedentary jobs (like office work) should be maintained between 17 and 27 degrees Celsius; light work should be kept between 14 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Prevention Measures