Why is radiation harmful?
· The delivery of energy waves causes a change in the atoms’ molecular structure
o If constant exposure happens, the atoms cannot return to normal structure
§ Abnormal atoms become more dominant
§ As the atoms become irregular, the healthy cells that maintains the body’s homeostatic state gets killed due to radiation
· Hair, nails, bone marrow, mucous membranes
o Leukemia and other forms of cancer develops
o People are concern of the deadly effects· Normal body tissues vary in their response to radiation
· Early effects of radiation may be seen a few days or weeks after treatments have started
o May continue for several weeks after treatments have ended
o Other effects may not show up until months, or even years, later.
· Some common side effects
o Fatigue
o Skin
o Mouth and throat
o Brain
o Lung
How is radiation transferred?
· Previously, we learnt about nuclear fusion and nuclear fission, as well as alpha, beta particles and gamma rays…
o When nuclear fission or fusion occurs, many types of radiation are created
§ Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays and neutrons
§ Alpha and beta particles would mostly be harmless
· Too big to pass through much matter
· Only pose a serious danger when they're inhaled or fall onto the food we eat
o Gamma rays and neutrons are much more dangerous following a nuclear explosion
§ Neutrons are heavier than electrons
· Can easily penetrate matter
· Gamma rays are photons
o Have more energy and can easily pass through several inches of a heavy element(lead).
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