Uses and Risks of Radiation Flashcards
Atomic Structure (11 cards)
What can radiation do to living cells?
Radiation can enter living cells and ionise atoms and molecules within them, leading to tissue damage.
This damage can result in mutated cells.
What happens to cells at lower doses of radiation?
Lower doses tend to cause minor damage without killing the cells, which can lead to mutant cells that divide uncontrollably, resulting in cancer.
This process is a key mechanism in the development of cancer.
What are the effects of higher doses of radiation?
Higher doses tend to kill cells completely, causing radiation sickness, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, tiredness, and hair loss.
High doses affect a large number of cells at once.
How are gamma sources used in medical tracers?
Certain radioactive isotopes can be injected or swallowed, and their progress around the body can be followed using an external detector.
A computer converts the readings to a display showing where the strongest radiation is coming from.
What is an example of a radioactive isotope used in medical tracers?
Iodine-123 is an example, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and emits gamma radiation that can be detected.
This indicates whether the thyroid gland is taking in iodine as it should.
Why are isotopes used in medical tracers usually gamma emitters?
Isotopes used in medical tracers are usually gamma emitters to ensure that the radiation passes out of the body without causing much ionisation.
They should also have a short half-life so their radioactivity quickly disappears.
What is the purpose of radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy uses high doses of ionising radiation to kill cancer cells.
It aims to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
How are gamma rays used in treating cancer?
Gamma rays are directed carefully at the right dosage to kill cancer cells without damaging too many normal cells.
Radiation-emitting implants can also be placed next to or inside tumors.
What are the side effects of radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy can cause significant damage to normal tissue, making the patient feel very ill.
However, if the cancer is successfully treated, the benefits may outweigh these side effects.
What factors should be considered when using radioactive materials?
Both the benefits and risks of using radioactive materials should be considered in every situation.
For example, tracers can diagnose life-threatening conditions, but there is a small risk of cancer.
What is perceived risk?
Perceived risk is how risky a person thinks something is, which may differ from the actual risk of a procedure.
This perception can vary from person to person.
