Environment
Expert Cautions On Effects Of Radition
A consultant in Nuclear Medicine and Radiation has said that although frequent exposure by humans to radiation can be hazardous, it is also beneficial.
“Frequent exposure of radiation could cause body cells to become cancerous but at the same time a calculated high dose of radiation can also destroy cancer cells, Dr Jawa Mohammed said.
According to Mohammed, radiation is a form of energy that travels in mass, comprising ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Mohammed explained that the ionizing radiation in x-rays and Gama rays could cause tissue damage to the body while non-ionizing radiations in bulbs have less effect on tissues.
He stated that radiation exposure could be medical and non-medical, while x-rays and Gama rays are examples of medical radiation.
“Non-medical radiation is emitted from instruments such as cell phones, radio waves, television and computer screens,” he said.
The consultant said the amount of radiation penetrating the body at a time might not pose a problem but the frequency and duration of each exposure, adding that a patient who underwent an x-ray for a diagnosis was only exposed to a minimal amount of radiation which would have no effect.
“However, such a person could be affected if exposed to smaller doses over a period of time.
Radiation interacts with water which is the most abundant chemical substance in the body, constituting 97 per cent of the human body.
The interaction is called hydrolysis and can cause mutation of cells or genes, resulting in cancer.
Mohammed stated that such exposure could interfere with the genes of women and adversely affect their ability to reproduce, leading to congenital abnormalities.
He said that radiation also has a huge benefit in diagnosis, therapy and treatment of various diseases.
“If the exact position of the cancer is calculated and the right dose of radiation is administered, the cancer can be destroyed while preserving the surrounding tissues of the patient. “
He added that scanning machines used on expectant mothers is low in radiation, having little effect on both the mother and the baby.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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