Dangers of Radiation

ionising radiation meaning

radiation that removes electrons from atoms creating ions

cell damage meaning

ionisation can damage or alter cell structures

dna damage meaning

radiation can break or change dna inside cells

mutation meaning

dna changes that may cause cells to divide uncontrollably

cancer risk meaning

mutations from radiation can lead to cancer

high dose effect meaning

can kill cells and cause radiation sickness

radiation sickness symptoms

vomiting fatigue hair loss and organ failure at very high doses

external hazard meaning

gamma and beta can penetrate into the body from outside

internal hazard meaning

alpha is extremely dangerous if inhaled or swallowed

alpha internal danger

strong ionisation causes severe damage to nearby cells

beta internal danger

moderate internal risk due to medium ionisation

gamma internal danger

lower ionisation but can reach deep tissues

dose meaning

measure of energy absorbed from radiation

dose unit

sievert Sv

dose factors

type of radiation and amount absorbed

reducing exposure time

minimise time spent near sources

increasing distance

stay as far from the source as possible

using shielding

use lead concrete or other barriers to block radiation

safe handling

use tongs gloves and proper storage containers

key idea

radiation can damage cells cause mutations and increase cancer risk so exposure must be controlled