Tooth enamel indicator for radiation exposure
Boffins are trying to develop tools which use tooth enamel to test a person’s exposure to radiation.
Scientists from Howard University’s (HU) College of Dentistry, Washington, want to develop the enamel testing technology so radiation levels can be tested after major emergencies, like bomb explosions have occurred.
Exposure to radiation can create free radicals in the body. These atoms have a harmful unprepared electron which can damage DNA.
However, these atoms can indicate how much radiation a person has been exposed to and now scientists are trying to measure free radicals by analysing teeth.
They are trying to perfect the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) process to gauge how much harm has been caused by radiation.
A tiny piece of tooth is used in the process which scientists then apply microwave energy to.
Free radicals absorb this energy which means scientists can work out how many harmful atoms are present by measuring the amount of energy which is left after flowing through the tooth.
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