Radiation — natural property of any substance, whether it be water, the earth or even a human body. Each thing comprises a number of radionuclides. Alpha, beta and gamma particles — the types of ionizing radiation having negative impact on living organisms. However scientists placed them at service to the person, having learned to treat with their help cancer tumors and many less dangerous diseases. Alpha particles for these purposes use carefully as they have very high biological activity.
So, that such alpha radiation? This ionizing radiation caused by disintegration of radioactive isotopes. They let out quickly moving positively charged alpha particles having small penetration therefore it is very difficult to receive radiation exposure by them — their penetration only the 100-th shares of millimeter. On the way they create very large number of couples of ions that provokes formation of the strongest oxidizers and releases hydrogen and oxygen.
Alpha radiation sources
Alpha decay is the main property of substances with heavy-nuclei (plutonium-239, uranium-234, uranium-238, curium-244, americium-241). The half-life period is less, the energy and a run of an alpha particle are more. For this reason tens of thousands years ago the natural radiation background of the planet was much higher, than now. In the medical purposes I use radium, radon, thorium.
Influence of alpha particles on a human body
Getting on biological Wednesday, they cause the high linear density of ionization therefore on the surface of skin or mucous severe superficial burns are formed. Only getting into blood they are capable to cause internal radiation of an organism. For example, collecting in a hypophysis and bark of adrenal glands, radon is capable to cause violation of work of internals and to reduce adaptation properties of an organism.
Use of alpha radiation in medicine
The main source of alpha particles which is used in treatment — radon. Disintegration time at it very short, besides it is rather easily brought out of an organism. Also in the medical purposes apply products of a toron and radium. Radonic therapy consists in bathing of the water enriched with radon, drink of such water and inhalation of air at which there are necessary particles. In the resorts of Belokurikha, Gashteyna, Tsqaltubo, Pyatigorsk having natural medical radioactive factors, such procedures traditionally use for treatment of cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems, at gynecologic diseases and problems of the musculoskeletal device. At sciatica, polyarthritis, neuritis, neurodermatitis, eczemas apply appliques from radioactive bandages to local influence. They anesthetize and calm naggers.
Contraindications to alpha therapy
It is impossible to use alpha particles at blood diseases, oncological diseases, pregnancy and tuberculosis. Also it is worth refraining from radiotheraphy that who lives in zones of the increased radioactivity and also in mountainous - the area.