dangers of using radiation

• What type of radiation can damage human cells and tissues?

  Ionising radiation
• What are the potential effects of ionising radiation on human cells?

  • Tissue damage
  • Mutations
• How is radiation used in cancer treatment?

  To destroy cancerous tumour cells
• What can happen if radiation is not properly targeted during treatment?

  It can damage healthy tissue
• What types of high-energy radiation can cause tissue damage?

  Gamma rays and X-rays
• What happens to DNA when atoms in a strand are ionised?

  The DNA strand can be damaged
• What may occur if damaged DNA reforms incorrectly?

  A mutation may occur
• What is the consequence of a mutated cell being able to replicate?

  A tumour may form
• What is a significant danger of radiation exposure?

  Cancer
• What are the symptoms of acute radiation exposure?

  • Skin burns similar to severe sunburn
  • Reduced white blood cell count
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
• Why is it important to handle radioactive sources carefully?

  To mitigate risks of radiation exposure
• What are safe practices for handling radioactive sources?

  • Keep sources in shielded containers
  • Use gloves and tongs
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Limit exposure time
• What is the unit of measurement for radiation dose?

  Sieverts (Sv)
• What does one sievert of radiation cause?

  Acute radiation poisoning
• How much radiation do people normally receive in one year?

  About 3 mSv (0.003 Sv)
• What is a dosemeter used for?

  To measure radiation exposure
• Who typically wears a dosemeter?

  Radiographers and radiation workers
• What factors affect the amount of radiation a person receives?

  Occupation, lifestyle, and location
• What is the UK limit for nuclear industry employees' radiation exposure?

  20 mSv in one year
• What are some common sources of radiation exposure?

  • Natural background radiation
  • Medical procedures (X-rays)
  • Occupational exposure (nuclear industry)
• What is contamination in the context of radiation?

  Unwanted presence of radioactive materials
• How does contamination occur?

  When radioactive isotopes get onto materials
• Who was Alexander Litvinenko?

  A former Russian spy poisoned with polonium-210
• How did Alexander Litvinenko die?

  From poisoning with a radioactive isotope
• What is irradiation?

  Exposing a material to radiation
• Does irradiation make a material radioactive?

  No, it does not
• How is irradiation used in sterilization?

  • Surgical equipment is irradiated to kill microorganisms
  • Food is irradiated to extend shelf life
• Compare the risks of irradiation and contamination.

  • Irradiation can kill living cells
  • Contamination poses continuous radiation exposure
  • Contamination is more dangerous if inside the body
• What are protective measures against radiation exposure?

  • Shielding to absorb radiation
  • Lead-lined suits for workers
  • Airtight suits to prevent contamination
• What is the role of lead in radiation protection?

  It absorbs most radiation
• What is the difference in risk between short and long half-life radioactive sources?

  • Short half-lives: greater risk of irradiation
  • Long half-lives: greater risk of contamination