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SCIENCE

RADIATION

-ako

Japan’s catastrophe  disturbed and alerted  the whole world because of its earthquake and tsunami that causes thousands of dead people,many destroyed properties and the most important of all is the radiation that can affect the whole world and its people.

People now are aware of this.there are many effects of radiation,specifically the human body these are:1.HAIR-The losing of hair quickly and in clumps occurs with radiation exposure at 200 rems or higher.2.BRAIN-Since brain cells do not reproduce, they won't be damaged directly unless the exposure is 5,000 rems or greater. Like the heart, radiation kills nerve cells and small blood vessels, and can cause seizures and immediate death.3.THYROID- The certain body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources. The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. In sufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of the thyroid. By taking potassium iodide, one can reduce the effects of exposure.4.BLOOD SYSTEM-When a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the blood's lymphocyte cell count will be reduced, leaving the victim more susceptible to infection. This is often refered to as mild radiation sickness. Early symptoms of radiation sickness mimic those of flu and may go unnoticed unless a blood count is done.According to data from Hiroshima and Nagaski, show that symptoms may persist for up to 10 years and may also have an increased long-term risk for leukemia and lymphoma.  5.HEART- Intense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 rems would do immediate damage to small blood vessels and probably cause heart failure and death directly.6.GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT- Radiation damage to the intestinal tract lining will cause nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This is occurs when the victim's exposure is 200 rems or more. The radiation will begin to destroy the cells in the body that divide rapidly. These including blood, GI tract, reproductive and hair cells, and harms their DNA and RNA of surviving cells.7.REPRODUCTIVE TRACT- Because reproductive tract cells divide rapidly, these areas of the body can be damaged at rem levels as low as 200. Long-term, some radiation sickness victims will become sterile.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RADIATION SIDE EFFECTS

The development of more effective cancer treatments requires that new and innovative therapies be evaluated with cancer patients. Clinical trials are studies that evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs or treatment strategies. Future progress in the prevention and management of radiation side effects will result from the continued evaluation of new treatments in clinical trials. Participation in a clinical trial may offer patients access to better treatments and advance the existing knowledge about treatment of this cancer. Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should discuss the risks and benefits of clinical trials with their physician. Areas of active investigation aimed at improving the prevention and management of radiation side effects include the following:

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, palifermin): This is a growth factor that has been shown to stimulate growth of epithelial cells, which make up the mucus membrane and line the mouth and throat. Keratinocyte growth factor is currently being tested in patients to prevent chemotherapy damage to the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.Antioxidants: The antioxidant agent Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) has shown promise in reducing early and late radiation-induced tissue injury. The patients who received SOD experienced fewer rectal problems and less bladder inflammation and skin toxicity than those who received placebo.Interleukin 11: Interleukin 11 is a growth factor that is similar but not identical to what the body normally produces. Interleukin 11 has been approved by the FDA to stimulate platelet recovery in patients with low platelet counts due to chemotherapy. Clinical trials are currently underway to determine if Interleukin 11 will prevent side effects, especially to the mucus membranes and gastrointestinal tract, associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.Prostaglandins: Prostoglandins are a group of compounds that affect the healing of inflammation and wounds. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that is effective in treating complications that arise in patients with prostate cancer who receive radiation treatment. Inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) is a known complication of radiation therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. Available medical treatment is usually ineffective and has focused on relieving symptoms after damage has occurred. One clinical study evaluated the effects of misoprostol in patients undergoing radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer. In the study, nine patients received misoprostol rectal suppositories and seven patients received placebo. The results indicated that misoprostol rectal suppositories significantly reduced acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Sustainable Mining

-          ako

            Mining is one of the major source of living in Mankayan and sustainable mining is important to the community and its stakeholders.

Minerals are essential for modern living, and mining is still the primary method of their extraction. To date, it appears that the main constraints to sustainability in the mining sector derive from the ever-increasing demand for mined resources, the consumption of resources (mostly energy and water) needed to extract and process metals, and the increasing pollution generated by the extraction process. This holds true for both large-scale, often multinational corporate, operations as well as for small-scale or artisanal ventures.

In the 20th century, the extraction of construction minerals grew by a factor of 34, while that of ores and industrial minerals by a factor of 27. This growth significantly outpaced a quadrupling of world population and a 24-fold increase in GDP.

Environmental, Social & Economic Impacts

While the sustainability of extractive industries varies, these operations generally remain associated with a range of environmental and social impacts negatively affecting local communities. Given the importance of mining to revenue and employment in some developing countries, as well as the non-renewable nature of many mined resources, the sustainability of this industry and the efficient use of its resources for development remain crucial.

Maximizing Benefits & Sustainability

How to maximize the development benefits of mining while improving the environmental and social sustainability of the mining sector was first addressed in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), where the following three priority areas were identified:

1. Address the environmental, economic, health and social impacts and benefits of mining throughout their life cycle, including workers’ health and safety;
2. Enhance the participation of stakeholders, including local and indigenous communities and women;
3. Foster sustainable mining practices through the provision of financial, technical and capacity-building support to developing countries and countries with economies.

Source: http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/susdevtopics/sdt_mining.shtml