The effects of radiation on food and life

The radioactive material generated from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan in 2011 has already been over a decade, and there was a lot of talk recently about it being released into the ocean.

In addition, there are various damages caused by radioactive materials in our lives, so let's find out how to avoid them.

Radiation is a substance first discovered by Becquerel, and Marie Curie's radium is well known. In daily life, it helps people with diagnosis through X-rays, but it also affects food and life.

The Three Mile Island accident in the United States, the Chernobyl accident in the former Soviet Union, and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in East Japan remain nightmares for us, and although they are gradually being forgotten, we cannot be at ease.

1. Radioactivity as food

- Groundwater and spring water that flow out from limestone or granite areas may contain radioactive materials such as radon and uranium due to the nature of the rock.

- Due to the contaminated water discharged from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, fish and other marine products caught in the nearby sea may contain large amounts of cesium, etc.

- Seaweed such as kelp and wakame contains iodine, etc., which can be harmful to thyroid patients, etc.

2. Radiation in daily life

- When taking X-ray X-ray images at hospitals such as orthopedic surgery, you may be exposed to radiation if you take them frequently.

- Flight attendants passing through the North Pole may be affected if they pass through radiation radiation areas multiple times.

- As in 2018, mattresses, which are raw materials for beds, were recalled because they were found to contain radioactive materials, they can also be found in bedding, tableware, and clothing made of natural materials.

3. How to avoid in daily life

There is radiation in spaceships flying from space, and it is impossible to completely avoid it in daily life.

- Use of certified household goods: You must check the test results of an authorized certification agency such as the Construction and Living Environment Testing Research Institute.

- Radiation testing devices (Geiger counters) developed for home use are also sold.

- Wearing protective clothing for X-ray technicians (clothes containing bismuth: Bi)

- Checking the certificate of performance for imported foods

- Purchase and use of eco-friendly agricultural products (checking whether there are radioactive material test items and whether they are within the standard when certified)