How Does One Proton Decay Per Year Impact Our Health?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the hypothetical implications of proton decay on human health, particularly considering the frequency of such decays and the energy released during the process. Participants explore the theoretical aspects of proton decay, its energy output, and the potential harm it could cause, while also referencing existing background radiation and other decay processes in the human body.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant posits that if protons had an average lifespan of 10^28 years, then one proton decay per year would occur in the human body, prompting a question about the potential harm from such an event.
  • Another participant notes that sensitive experiments have yet to detect proton decay, suggesting that its occurrence may be negligible.
  • A participant inquires about the energy released during proton decay and its potential harmful effects, referencing a decay mode that produces positrons and gamma rays.
  • One contributor estimates that about 100-1000 radioactive decays occur in an average human per second from other particles, implying that potential proton decays would be insignificant in comparison.
  • Another participant mentions the additional exposure from radon decay, providing context for background radiation levels that humans typically experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of proton decay for human health. While some argue that the effects would be negligible, others raise questions about the energy released and its potential harm.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact energy output of proton decay and its health implications, as well as the assumptions underlying their estimates of decay rates from other sources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring theoretical physics, particle decay processes, and the implications of radiation exposure on health.

robertjford80
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We're made of roughly 10^28 protons. Let's imagine that the average lifespan of a proton were 10^28 years even though it is much higher. That would mean one proton per year would decay in our body. How much harm would one proton decay cause us?
 
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I know that. What I'm wondering is how much energy does proton decay release and how much harm would that energy release cause us.
 
robertjford80 said:
how much energy does proton decay release

The decay mode given by Wikipedia's article on proton decay has a net result of ##p \rightarrow e^+ +2 \gamma##. Can you calculate how much energy that would release, corresponding to the difference in mass?
 
Last edited:
About 100-1000 radioactive decays happen in an average human per second - not from protons, but from other particles. This is a rough estimate, but it is enough to show that proton decays (if possible) are completely negligible. In addion, some high-energetic muons cross a human body each second.
 
Not to mention the (rough) 200 mrem per year from just radon decay.
 

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