Radiation: The Dangers Around Us
Radiation from both natural and man-made sources is carcinogenic. Radiation enters our bodies, and can cause damage to our DNA.
We are exposed to several major sources of radiation directly from Mother Nature. One source is the radiation that comes from space in the form of cosmic rays. This radiation dose increases with altitude, but the amount of radiation received from cosmic rays is only slight, even at the Earth’s highest points. Another source is the radiation from the very rocks the earth is composed of, which is called terrestrial radiation.
Terrestrial radiation is also usually minimal. All the radioactive materials in the earth’s soils contribute to terrestrial radiation. Naturally occurring radioactive materials were created at the time the earth was formed. These materials are still present because their decay time is so long. The time it will take for even just half of this radioactive material to decay is over a billion years...so it will be around for quite some time!
The amount of radiation exposure an individual receives from terrestrial sources varies because there are different amounts in different types of soil. The average is a very small amount, nearly equal to the average amount an individual is exposed to from cosmic radiation. However, in some regions of the world the amount is incredibly high. There is one region of India called Kerala where the terrestrial radiation levels are thought to be 20 to 2000 times the average terrestrial radiation levels.
More about the people who live in Kerala
Several studies have attempted to assess the health effects of the extra terrestrial radiation present in Kerala, India. The people who live in this region are exposed to much higher levels or terrestrial radiation than people living just about anywhere else in the world.
One particular research study involved over 100,000 inhabitants living in or near Kerala. These people were interviewed about their lifestyle, occupation, housing, tobacco and alcohol use. Statistics were also performed on the incidences of cancer. A comparison between people in the highest radiation zones and those in lower, normal areas indicated there was no increase in the incidence of cancer in the people who lived in areas with more radiation.
A similar study monitored the health of newborns in Kerala. Again the scientists found no correlation between a higher incidence of cancer and the higher doses of radiation.
Since radiation causes cancer shouldn't people living in regions where they are exposed to higher levels of radiation have a higher incidence of cancer? The correlation seems to fit, but the results of the Kerala studies prove otherwise. Is it possible that the people of Kerala have some sort of cancer protective gene or genes? Future studies are aimed at determining whether this may be a possibility.
