Article Title: "Biological Effects of Radiation on Human Tissues and Ways to Minimize Them"<br />By Lecturer Mustafa Khalil Hassan<br /><br />Introduction<br /><br />Ionizing radiation has become an essential tool in modern medicine, especially in diagnosis and treatment, such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), and radiotherapy for tumors. Despite its great benefits, it also has biological effects on human tissues that can be harmful if not used carefully. Hence, it is crucial to understand these effects and the methods of minimizing them.<br /><br />Biological Effects of Radiation on Human Tissues<br /><br />Direct Effects<br /><br />Ionization of biomolecules: Leads to breaking chemical bonds in DNA and proteins.<br /><br />Mutations: May cause genetic changes leading to cancer or hereditary diseases.<br /><br />Indirect Effects<br /><br />Formation of free radicals due to radiation interaction with water inside cells, causing damage to cells and tissues.<br /><br />Deterministic Effects (Acute Effects)<br /><br />Appear when exposed to high doses.<br /><br />Examples: skin burns, hair loss, bone marrow suppression.<br /><br />Stochastic Effects (Late Effects)<br /><br />Appear years after exposure.<br /><br />Most significant: increased cancer risk, genetic abnormalities.<br /><br />Factors Affecting the Severity of Effects<br /><br />Radiation dose: Higher doses increase risk.<br /><br />Duration of exposure: Longer exposure increases cumulative effects.<br /><br />Radiation type: e.g., gamma rays, alpha, beta.<br /><br />Tissue sensitivity: Rapidly dividing tissues such as bone marrow are more vulnerable.<br /><br />Methods to Reduce Harmful Effects<br /><br />Dose Reduction<br /><br />Use the lowest dose possible to achieve the medical purpose (ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable).<br /><br />Time<br /><br />Reducing exposure time lowers absorbed radiation.<br /><br />Distance<br /><br />Increasing the distance between the radiation source and the patient or worker reduces the dose (Inverse Square Law).<br /><br />Protective Shields<br /><br />Use of lead aprons, shielded walls in radiology rooms, and protective gear for sensitive organs.<br /><br />Diagnostic Alternatives<br /><br />Resorting to ultrasound or MRI whenever possible.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Radiation is a double-edged sword: it is indispensable in modern medicine but carries biological risks to human tissues if not applied with caution. Adhering to radiation protection practices and implementing safety standards are the best means to maximize benefits while minimizing harm.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq