Burns by Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation.

This article consists of the study and investigative analysis of the effects of burns by radiation in humans. Cases of nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl (ionizing radiation) and the effects of non-ionizing radiation such as infrared and microwave radiation are detailed. It is examined cases of injuries and burns by ionizing radiation due to irradiation (diagnostic equipment and medical treatment: X-rays, radiotherapy) or contamination (nuclear accidents, wars). Injuries and burns are also caused by nonionizing radiation, such as visible light (laser), ultraviolet, radiofrequency. There are numerous biological issues in the case of tissues, the ionizing radiation (ionizing particles and electromagnetic radiation: X-rays, gamma rays and high energy ultraviolet) can cause damage mainly in the DNA. This can cause mutations in its genetic code and cancer 5. In addition, damage to other tissues and organs can occur, as well as burns, erythema and lesions. The biological effects of nonionizing radiation are currently under investigation. Burns, erythema and lesions can also occur due to the following types of radiation: low energy ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, radiofrequency, electromagnetic fields. The purpose of this article is to provide an exhaustive analysis of all types of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and their effects on living beings. Finally, it is important to follow all safety and radiation protections against both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Presentación desde la FELAQ / Presentation from FELAQ

No disponible

Quemaduras radioinducidas / Radioinduced burns

El presente artículo comprende una amplia y descriptiva revisión de la radiación desde su concepción básica, características, clasificación, fuentes, equipos, elementos radioactivos y los efectos biológicos en el ser humano. La diferencia entre radiación ionizante y no ionizante radica en la cantidad de energía del fotón individual y no en la cantidad de energía total. La radiación no ionizante se caracteriza por no contar con energía suficiente para convertir átomos o moléculas a iones, sin embargo es capaz de producir calor, útil en tratamientos fisiátricos y estéticos, pero con la posibilidad de producir quemaduras y otras lesiones que aún siguen en estudio. Entre las fuentes de radiación no ionizante tenemos la luz visible, el laser, la luz infrarroja, el microondas, y el teléfono móvil. Los diversos equipos de diagnóstico y tratamiento empleados en Medicina como rayos X, radioterapia, medicina nuclear, o en el caso de accidentes nucleares y guerras radiactivas, pueden generar radiaciones del tipo ionizante que rompen enlaces químicos, con el consecuente desarrollo de lesiones biológicas, en ocasiones graves

This article includes a broad and descriptive review of radiation from its basic conception, characteristics, classification, sources, equipment, radioactive elements and the biological effects on humans. The difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation lies in the amount of energy of the individual photon and not in the amount of total energy. Non-ionizing radiation is characterized by not having enough energy to convert atoms or molecules to ions; however they are capable of producing heat, useful in physiological and aesthetic treatments, with the possibility of producing burns and other injuries that are still under study. Among the non-ionizing radiation sources, we have visible light, laser, infrared light, microwave and mobile phone. The various diagnostic and treatment equipment used in Medicine such as X-rays, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, or in the case of nuclear accidents and radioactive wars, can generate ionizing type radiation that breaks chemical bonds, with the consequent development of biological lesions that may be severe