5 of the riskiest jobs in science
Don't think scientists just limit themselves to being locked in labs with their eyes glued to microscopes or mixing chemical elements to see what happens. In fact, as you already know, science is much broader than that, and many researchers risk their lives and the limits of their bodies to continue their studies. Here are some of the riskier situations they undergo:
1 - Underwater Cave Explorers
Studying underwater caves may reveal vital information about the changing climate of the planet throughout history and little known ecosystems, but one has to dive to them to collect this data. However, professionals who risk doing this are never sure what kinds of risks they may face.
After all, it is enough for divers to hit their fins in the wrong place for an enormous amount of sediment to be suspended and block visibility, for example, leaving them blind in an unknown location and with a limited amount of oxygen. Not to mention many other risky situations that these professionals undergo during the explorations.
2 - Astronauts
There is no doubt that astronauts have one of the most amazing jobs there is. After all, who wouldn't want to be able to rocket ride and visit space? On the other hand, while fascinating, this work is also extremely dangerous. In addition to undergoing an intense training process, these professionals expose themselves to one of the most hostile environments in existence, being constantly bombarded by radiation.
Not to mention the high risk of crashes in flight - 1 in 100 - and the fact that many astronauts suffer from muscle atrophy and bone weakness after staying for an extended period of time in a non-gravity environment.
3 - Storm Chasers
Luckily, here in Brazil hurricanes and major tornadoes are not very common, but as you know, these phenomena can be destructive and deadly. And while most people run from them in search of a safe haven, there are professionals who take the opposite direction, going straight to these "monsters", equipped with sensors and other measuring equipment.
The problem is that these storms are often unpredictable, and it is not uncommon for them to appear much smaller and weaker from a distance. In addition to tornadoes and hurricanes, don't forget the lightning strikes with their random and extremely dangerous discharges.
4 - Poison Collectors
Scientists who collect animal poisons for study often risk their lives in order to obtain samples of these dangerous toxins. In addition to having to find the creatures - snakes, lizards, fish etc. - Often, to obtain a sufficient amount of the test substance, they are required to capture numerous specimens.
In the case of snakes, for example, scientists — herpetologists for the most part — not only need to capture the animals, but stab their prey in a rubber-covered container and gently massage the venom-producing glands to collect the substance. Of course, many of these brave professionals end up taking bites dozens of times, including.
5 - Laboratory technicians
And of course there could be no shortage in this list of people working at the site with which most of us relate the presence of scientists. Although they look bland and unsafe, many labs have equipment and substances that can be deadly, and the professionals who work in them must comply with strict safety protocols.
Also, don't forget that technicians who spend their days locked up in these environments are often exposed to radiation, electricity, magnetism, deadly viruses and bacteria, toxic and flammable substances, and so on. Therefore, inattention and ordinary accidents can have catastrophic consequences.
