The effects of radiation on the human body

• What are the three most common types of nuclear radiation?

  Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma waves
• What is ionisation in the context of radiation?

  It is the process by which electrons are added or removed from an atom to create an ion
• How can radiation affect the behavior of cells in the human body?

  It can change the way the cells behave and potentially mutate DNA
• What are the effects of radiation on different parts of the human body?

  • Eyes: High doses can cause cataracts
  • Thyroid: Radioactive iodine can cause cancer
  • Lungs: Breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA
  • Reproductive organs: High doses can cause sterility or mutations
  • Skin: Radiation can burn skin or cause cancer
  • Bone marrow: Radiation can cause leukaemia and other blood diseases
• What is the key fact about risk associated with radioactive materials?

  Risk is the likelihood of cell damage occurring
• What factors increase the risk associated with radioactive materials?

  Higher exposure amounts and longer exposure times increase the risk
• What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of using radioactive sources?

  • Keep radioactive sources shielded in a lead-lined box
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Avoid contact with bare skin
  • Wear face masks
  • Limit exposure time
  • Handle materials with tongs
  • Monitor exposure using detector badges
• What is the purpose of using tongs when handling radioactive materials?

  Tongs are used to keep a safer distance from radioactive sources
• Why is it important to monitor exposure to radioactive materials?

  To ensure that exposure levels remain safe and to prevent health risks
• What can high doses of radiation cause to the skin?

  Radiation can burn skin or cause cancer
• What happens to the thyroid when exposed to radioactive iodine?

  Radioactive iodine can build up and cause cancer
• What are the potential effects of breathing in radioisotopes?

  It can damage DNA in the lungs
• What can high doses of radiation cause to reproductive organs?

  High doses can cause sterility or mutations
• What diseases can radiation cause in bone marrow?

  Radiation can cause leukaemia and other diseases of the blood
• What is the effect of high doses of radiation on the eyes?

  High doses can cause cataracts
• What is the effect of radiation on the lungs?

  Breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA
• What is the effect of radiation on the skin?

  Radiation can burn skin or cause cancer
• What is the effect of radiation on bone marrow?

  Radiation can cause leukaemia and other diseases of the blood
• What is the effect of radioactive iodine on the thyroid?

  Radioactive iodine can build up and cause cancer
• What is the effect of high doses of radiation on reproductive organs?

  High doses can cause sterility or mutations
• What is the effect of breathing in radioisotopes?

  Breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA