Campus News

Recently at the Discovery Lecture, hosted by the School of Sciences & Technology, Mr Ricardo Rodriguez of USC’s Department of Mathematics, Physics and Technology, addressed radiation and methods of its control and regulation. His topic was, “Radiation and its Control in a Relaxed Regulatory Environment.”  Rodriguez covered the basics of radiation and emphasised that non-ionising radiation is undetectable by the human body; its frequency is highlighted and detected only through machinery and specific instruments. A member of the audience wanted to know the most dangerous type(s) of radiation to the human body. The answer was, non-Ionising radiation between the frequency range of 0.1MHz – 6GHz.  This covers the frequency range of cell phones to television sets.

So, how can one control something that cannot be seen or traced with the naked eye? According to Rodriguez, although none of our senses detect radiation, it attacks us every day, through laptops, cellular phones, microwave ovens, television sets and radios. Radiation is found in everything that has a current. In other words, “all energy is radiation.” A powerful and important method of control comes through setting regulations and standards – a Regulatory System, which ‘levels the playing field’, requiring the practice of agencies and individuals to comply with a set of procedures and expectations. The current system in Trinidad is heavily relaxed, thus allowing for discontinuity in standards around the country owing to lack of adequate resources to facilitate high standards.

There are many benefits of radiation however, including prolonged life, as used in cancer treatment, along with practical uses in x-rays, notwithstanding some negative impacts. An example concerns x-rays, by which the maximum limit of exposure to radiation is 50-MSR per year. This amounts to 3-4 x-rays per year, but due to the relaxed regulatory systems, individuals may have more than the advised amount, which results in compromised safety and an over-exposure to radiation. Rodriguez gave further examples of the hazards of radiation, and how radiation safety can be improved. Such safety measures include removal of the source of the problem, job rotations, and adoption of engineering changes, which include changing the work environment. Administrative changes such as adjustment of policies and standards will also substantially increase safety within the system.

Though his presentation was heavily scientific and technical, Rodriguez gave practical methods by which students can manage and reduce their radiation intake:

1. Keep a safe distance from television screens, approximately 2-3 meters.
2. Avoid close proximity to laptops. Instead place it onto a cooling system. The body should always be kept away from the direct heat of the laptop.
3. Where possible, overly long cell phone conversations should be reduced.

In summation, Mr Rodriguez said radiation cannot be avoided or erased, but it can be controlled through moderate use. He expressed the hope that the Trinidad Regulatory System will be developed to manage and protect the populace from the negative aspects of radiation.