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wasteofo2
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What properties do radioactive substances have that actually cause harm to organisms? I've really no idea at all...
Thanks alot,
Jacob
Thanks alot,
Jacob
So by touching a radioactive substance, the atoms that make up my body essentially would ionize and scatter electrons all into my body? What causes that to happen?chroot said:They cause ionization, kicking electrons out of atoms. The end result is that this ionization causes unwanted chemical reactions in the cell. The worst kind are those that damage DNA, prompting an increase in cancer risk.
- Warren
chroot said:There are several kinds of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma.
vanesch said:Let's also add a few others:
*) a most nasty form of radiation is fast neutrons: they are very damaging because they mainly interact with nucleae and have high penetrating power ; so they do not ionise so much, as that they knock away nucleae out of the molecule. Talk about irreversible damage :-)
*) cosmic radiation. At ground level, they mostly consist of energetic muons (which are a bit like heavy electrons) and fast neutrons. In outer space, or high altitudes, charged hadrons (fast protons, pions...) are also present: these are very damaging dudes, because they both ionise and knock off nucleae. But they rarely get down to sea level because they interact in the atmosphere (producing pions which then decay into muons, and neutrons).
*) piramid radiation: extremely damaging: it causes irremediable damage to the mind ;-)
cheers,
Patrick.
chroot said:There are several kinds of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma.
Alpha radiation is composed of helium nuclei; these are not very penetrating, cannot pass skin, and generally cause no harm unless the substances are inhaled or ingested.
Beta radiation are energetic electrons. These can penetrate a short distance through skin, so are dangerous even at a distance. The electrons collide with atoms in your body and knock other electrons from the atoms to which they "belong."
The third kind of radiation, gamma, is composed of high energy photons -- like more aggressive X-rays. These photons can penetrate your entire body, and can knock electrons off anywhere.
The radioactive substances undergo nuclear reactions which produce the alpha, beta, or gamma radiation; this radiation then ionizes atoms in your body, causing cellular damage.
- Warren
PatPwnt said:So, since beta radiation is just electrons, what is the difference between them and a bolt of lightning? Could I get cancer from a bolt of lightning?
PatPwnt said:So, since beta radiation is just electrons, what is the difference between them and a bolt of lightning? Could I get cancer from a bolt of lightning?
Astronuc said:The site states electrical potentials in the millions of volts, but I believe that is too high. However, the electrons are not accelerated into the MeV range, due to the breakdown of the air molecules.
PatPwnt said:So, since beta radiation is just electrons, what is the difference between them and a bolt of lightning? Could I get cancer from a bolt of lightning?
Radioactive substances are harmful because they emit radiation, which can damage living cells and tissues. This damage can lead to health problems such as cancer, genetic mutations, and organ damage.
Radioactive substances cause harm by emitting high-energy particles or waves, such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. These particles and waves can penetrate and disrupt the structure of cells, causing damage to their DNA and other vital components.
Yes, all types of radiation can be harmful to living organisms. However, the degree of harm depends on the type of radiation, the dose, and the duration of exposure. Some types of radiation, such as alpha particles, are more harmful than others, while low doses of radiation over a long period may not cause noticeable harm.
To protect ourselves from the harmful effects of radioactive substances, it is essential to limit our exposure to them. This can be done by following safety protocols and regulations when handling radioactive materials, living in areas with natural sources of radiation, and limiting medical procedures that involve radiation. It is also crucial to monitor and properly dispose of radioactive waste to prevent contamination of the environment.
The long-term effects of exposure to radioactive substances can vary depending on the type, dose, and duration of exposure. In some cases, exposure can lead to acute health effects, such as radiation sickness and organ damage. In the long term, exposure to high levels of radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer, genetic mutations, and other health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to limit exposure to radioactive substances as much as possible.