Harmful Effects of Radiation to a Human Embryo
Excessive radiation is harmful to humans at all stages in life. Radiation usually takes the form of X and Gamma rays. The dosage of radiation can occur in two ways. A one-time exposure to radiation can harm human body cells or a low dose of radiation can be introduced everyday causing an increase in the radioactivity level in the human body.
Radiation and the Human Embryo
The most significant harmful effect of radiation is seen at the human embryonic level. Radiation affects the embryo in its three phrases, which are called the preimplantation stage, the organogenesis stage and the fetal stage of embryonic development.
Preimplantation Stage
This is the initial stage of pregnancy lasting from fecundation to the 14th day. This refers to the days ranging from conception to the 14th day of pregnancy when the embryo is being implanted. At this stage, the nascent embryo is highly sensitive to radiation. According to the radiology department at King Edward Memorial College, excessive exposure to X-rays lead to brain malformation and diseases of mental retardation, cerebral atrophy, hydrocephalus and anencephaly.
Organogenesis Stage
This stage of embryonic development coincides with the third and fourth weeks of gestation. The embryo is very sensitive to radiation at this time. Radiation causes embryonic cells to malfunction and divide, which causes organ malformations. These include eye malformations of retinoblastoma, microphthalmia and anophthalmia.
Fetal Stage
The fetal stage runs during the final trimester of pregnancy. At this stage, the human fetus is developing cells and neurons at the nervous system level. Radiation at this stage has physical effects leading to malformations in the skeleton and bones. This results in dwarfism, spina bifida and malformation of the extremities or genital organs.
10-day Rule
According to radiation guidelines issued in the UK in the 1980s, all women of child-bearing age should be exposed to radiological procedures and tests during the first 10 days after a regular menstrual cycle. The 10-day rule prevents the possibility of an embryo being exposed to radiation.
Other Guidelines
In 1984, the National Radiological Protection Board issued a series of guidelines that enforced shielding procedures of the human embryo during X-ray tests. The guidelines stated that X-ray beams should be collimated, shielding the chest, skull and extremities of the fetus.
Tags: Human Embryo, Radiation Human, Radiation Human Embryo, Effects Radiation, Effects Radiation Human, embryo being
