The Dangers of Natural and Man Made Radiation
Radiation has been a concern of individuals and governments since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War 2, and there have been many safety measures taken to prevent it from killing people. Despite their concern, nuclear radiation is only one part of the problem. It is not the only form of radiation that you need to be concerned about.
Natural Sources of Radiation
Aside from the man made causes of radiation, there are a number of natural causes of radiation that can be a serious threat. Radon is one of the main forms of natural radiation, and it is considered second only to smoking as a main cause of lung cancer. Radon is normally found in soil, but it can be found nearly everywhere. There are a number of radioactive elements in the ground beneath our feet and homes, and the radioactive elements decay and turn into radon gas. This radon gas tends to seep through the ground and into homes, and they can be a serious health concern for many people.
There is a good deal of radiation in outer space, such as gamma rays and charged particles. The atmosphere around earth filters out most of the radiation, but there is still a good amount that makes it through. The altitude of a region determines how much cosmic radiation affects the residents. For instance, you are exposed to cosmic radiation when you fly. Read the rest of this entry »
Fungal Infections
Infections of the skin by fungi are extremely common in warm countries.’Athlete’s foot’, which is a fungal infection between the toes, is generally acquired where people go barefooted, e.g at swimming pools and the changing rooms and showers at clubs. It usually starts between the third, fourth and fifth toes and may be simple redness and scaling, but cracks are apt to develop. the skin becomes macerated, whitish and soggy, and a clear, mucoid liquid oozes from it. the condition is intensely itchy and sometimes spreads to the adjacent skin of the foot. less commonly affects the hands, groins, armpits and other regions. The fungus is resistant and persists in shoes and socks and may be transmitted on towels. As soon as the condition appears medical assistance should be sought as correct diagnosis is essential and treatment is not always easy.
A hot, humid climate and wet feet are predisposing factors. The preventive measures are:
-careful drying between the toes
-scrupulous cleanliness
-the application of a dusting powder between the toes and
-wearing of slippers in public bathrooms.
Once the condition develops a special towel should be used for the toes, it should be sterilized by boiling and should be kept separate from other towels. cotton socks should be worn and boiled after wearing. shoes and slippers should be treated inside with formalin solutions. various fungicidal preparations are obtainable for local application, but cream or powder containing tolnaftate (Tinaderm) is probably the best. the cream is used for treatment and the powder should be reserved for dusting as a prophylactic. Read the rest of this entry »