Why radiation is harmful

Question 1

What does irradiation mean

Answer 1

• The process by which an object is exposed to radiation

Question 2

What does contamination mean (radiation)

Answer 2

• When radioactive particles get onto an object

Question 3

When is contamination harmful

Answer 3

• Contamination itself is not harmful
• The radioactive substance is likely to decay which will then cause increased levels of irradiation

Question 4

What does the type of radiation have to do with how harmful it is

Answer 4

• Non-ionising vs ionising radiation
• Ionising radiation can enter living cells and interact with molecules
• Ionising radiation can ionise our DNA and cause mutations. Uncontrolled mutations can lead to cancer
• Exposure to UV radiation can also lead to cancer

Question 5

What does location have to do with how harmful radiation is

Answer 5

• Outside the body = aloha can’t penetrate skin so not harmful
• Inside the body = alpha is the most harmful

Question 6

What is the dosage of a radioactive substance dependent on

Answer 6

• Duration of exposure
• Distance from substance
• Strength of substance

Question 7

Can irradiated substances pass radiation

Answer 7

• No
• People (irradiated substance) can not radiate other people