INTRODUCTION:

Radiation in the environment is produced by modern technology. Most of them have the potential for both beneficial and harmful effects on the environment and human health. Radiation is energy that, travels through a vacuum or through matter containing media. There are variety of electromagnetic radiations depending on their energy, frequency and wavelength. All types of radiation can generate pollution. Nuclear power plants can release low-level ionizing radiation into the environment. Medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans use low-level ionizing radiation. Ishizu et al. (2021) and Hansson L et al. (2011) in their work explained the effect of exposure to ionizing radiation. They observed that the effect of exposure to such radiation can cause a variety of health effects from skin burns and radiation sickness to cancer and genetic mutation. It has been observed that though there are many health risks associated with the ionizing radiation, it has various applications in medical field such as medicine, energy production and scientific research. X-rays, CT scans etc. use ionizing radiation to produce images of the human body which can help to diagnose and treat diseases. Effects of radiation on the environment, human health, plants and animals can be seen in a variety of ways. Mostly the high-energy radiation causes radiation pollution carrying serious health risks, even death. Low -level ionizing radiation can cause harm to the environment, soil, water, and air, and disrupt delicate ecosystems there by poses a long- term threat to bio diversity and ecological balance. It has been studied that low level ionizing radiation are harmful and should be avoided as much as possible. The effect of exposure to ionizing radiation cause health effect, as well as environmental disruption. Some effects of low-level ionizing radiation (LLIR) on health and environment are outlined below:

Health Effects:

Effects on Immune system:

Low- level ionizing radiation can weaken the immune system which promotes causes of infections.

Neurological Effects:

Low-level ionizing radiation exposure has been linked to neurological effects including neurodegenerative disease.

Genetic Effects:

Low-level radiation can promote genetic mutation in plants, animals, and humans. Such mutations can alter the DNA of organism, which can be passed on to future generations.

Cancer Risk:

Exposure to Low-level ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cancer.

Environmental Effects:

Disruption to ecosystem:

Ionizing radiation can have a significant impact on ecosystem. These radiations can alter the balance of species and lead to the extinction of sensitive species.

Soil and Water contamination:

Ionizing radiation can contaminate soil and water, affecting plant growth and disrupt the balance of the food chain. Radioactive materials can contaminate water bodies, which may cause health risk to human and aquatic plants and animals. It has also been studied that low dose radiation are not harmful and might even be beneficial. Short- term low level radiation generated by radioactive materials effect on microorganisms has been studied by several researchers

Atmosphere Pollution:

Ionizing radiation can also contribute to atmospheric pollution. Radioactive particles in atmosphere can lead to health problems for humans, plants and animals.

It has been observed by several researchers that the exposure to small amount of radiation can cause disease that are not so serious. But it can cause health risks after years of exposure. Cho and Ha (2019) studied that the main damage caused by low level radiation was intracellular enzyme inactivation and DNA damage of microorganism like Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Senatore et al. (2018) observed in their study that low-level radiation increases the diversity of soil microbial communities and changes the metabolic capacity of carbon and nitrogen sources. Zhang and Li (2020) explained in their research that the long- term low dose radiation can significantly affect the composition and function of soil microbial system. More information on the effects of radiation comes from studies of exposed groups and individuals, from animal experiments, and from studies at cellular and molecular level. High level radiation exposure may cause death within few months. At high to medium level radiation exposure may increase the chance of cancer. At low level, the cancer risk decreases, but it may be harmful for long term exposure. Peedrap (2022) studied different types of radiation and their impact on the human health and environment. John et al. (2017) in their research work discussed the health effect of low-level radiation and concluded that the health effects at lower dose is limited and inconclusive. Mohan et al. (2014) in their study found that low dose radiation is beneficial, not harmful, from both mechanistic and epidemiological considerations. Studies of several researchers have also observed that the effect of low doses of radiation received by public and radiation workers do not create serious health risk like cancer. They also expressed concerns regarding low dose radiation induced chromosome changes mutation is not the primary determinant of clinical cancer, whereas deficiency in immune system is an important factor. They observed that low dose radiation increases immune system response which would reduce the cancer risk. UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) 1994 report has discussed the beneficial effects of low dose radiation. Also, many researchers in recent years have demonstrated the disease preventive effects of low dose radiation for cancer and many other diseases.

CONCLUSION:

Radiation is a natural part of our environment. Almost all materials both natural and man-made that we come into contact with in our everyday lives are radioactive. So significant amount of radiation is present in our environment. Radiation can have significant and long-lasting effects on the environment and human health. Depending on the amount of radiation can vary. The exposure to high amounts of radiation generates immediate chronic disease like cancer or even sudden death. Small amounts of radiation can cause diseases that are not serious. It has been studied by many researchers that exposure to low levels of radiation in the environment does not cause immediate health effects, but it can slightly increase risk of cancer. Some researchers have also found that radiation can be beneficial in some situations like in medical fields or in generating electricity, it become essential to manage and regulate radiation sources to reduce their impact on the environment. Thus, we must develop strategies to address the environmental damage caused by radiation. Understanding the different types of radiation is important for protecting human health and the different environment. By having the knowledge of types of radiations and their properties, scientists can develop strategies for minimize the effects of radiation exposure and reducing the risk of cancer and other disease. Both LLR and LLIR can have biological effects. The effects of LLIR are generally considered more harmful due to its ability to cause DNA damage. The effects of LLR depend on the specific type of radiation and the dose rate.

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Received on 27.01.2025 Revised on 13.02.2025

Accepted on 28.02.2025 Published on 10.03.2025

Available online from March 21, 2025

Research J. Science and Tech. 2025; 17(1):86-88.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2025.00012

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