Strontium 90 is considered the most dangerous component of radioactive fallout because it accumulates in the bones. This radioactive fallout formed due to nuclear explosions and nuclear tests done during World War II and the Soviet Union cold war. Ordinary strontium is a non-radioactive and nontoxic element whereas Strontium 90 is a hazardous element as a result of a nuclear fission. This chemical substance is also known as a “bone seeker” because it tends to build up in the bones of humans and animals once introduced.
The common symptoms after exposure of the substance are nausea and vomiting. This will normally occur 24-48 hours after mild exposure, 12-24 hours after moderate exposure, and 1 hour after severe exposure. Aside from nausea and vomiting, additional symptoms also includes hair loss, fever, bloody stool and vomit and slow wound healing. The amount of time after contact and the first signs of symptoms will usually tell how much radiation was absorbed. The higher the person being exposed in this chemical substance, the higher the symptoms increase. The higher the symptoms increase, the chances of survival decreases also. Once a person gets exposed to this radioactive element, these nuclear particles will be deposited inside the human tissues and bones. The effect of this exposure will lead to cancer since cell-cycle genes will mutate, premature aging, and birth failures.
There are several factors of exposure that we should be aware of. Light radiation exposure of 10% fatality, distinctive symptoms include mild to moderate nausea after 3-6 hours of contamination. Severe radiation exposure of 35% fatality, after 7 to 14 days, the person will have hair loss all over the body, fatigue, and female sterility is possible. Severe radiation exposure of 50% fatality, after 7 to 14 days of exposure, the person will experience uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth, under the skin and in the kidneys. Acute radiation exposure of 60% fatality, symptoms will start half an hour. After 12 weeks of exposure, the possibility of the death is unavoidable due to infections and internal bleeding. Acute radiation exposure of 100% fatality, survival depends on intensive medical care. Bone marrow is completely destroyed, so bone marrow transplant is required. Gastric and intestinal tissues are brutally damaged and can cause immense diarrhea, intestinal bleeding and loss of water. Patient will be delirium and in a coma because of circulation breakdown. Death is inevitable.
There are two types of radiation exposure. They are external exposure and internal exposure. External exposure happens when the radioactive source is outside the organism being exposed. Like for example, a person has a preserved radioactive source in his bag, a space explorer irradiated by cosmic rays, and a person being treated for cancer. On the other hand, internal exposure happens when radioactive components enters the organism. Like for example, the exposure was caused by eating or drinking soluble radioactive material such as vegetables and cow’s milk or contaminated water.
To prevent radiation sickness, human exposure to high levels of radiation must be reduced. If accidents occur like releasing of radioactive material, evacuate the contaminated area immediately.
