6.5 - Why Radiation is Harmful

• What is irradiation?

  Exposure of an object to radiation
• What types of radiation can cause irradiation?

  Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
• What is contamination?

  Radioactive particles on other objects
• Why is contamination a concern?

  It increases the risk of irradiation
• What factors determine how harmful radiation is?

  Type of radiation, exposure location, dosage
• Why are ionizing radiations considered more dangerous?

  They can enter cells and ionize DNA
• What can mutations in DNA lead to?

  Uncontrolled cell division and cancer
• How does ultraviolet radiation relate to cancer?

  It can also lead to cancer
• Arrange the types of radiation from most harmful to least harmful.

  • Alpha particles (most harmful)
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma rays
  • X-rays
  • Ultraviolet radiation
  • Microwaves
  • Radio waves (least harmful)
• How does the location of the radiation source affect its harm?

  Alpha radiation is less harmful outside the body
• Why is alpha radiation more dangerous if inside the body?

  It can penetrate cells and cause damage
• Irradiation is the process by which objects are __________ radiation.

  exposed to
• What factors influence the dosage of radiation exposure?

  Distance, exposure time, radioactivity
• What precautions should be taken around radioactive sources?

  Wear protective gear and use tools
• Can being irradiated cause mutations or make you radioactive?

  No, it cannot cause mutations or radioactivity
• What is the only way to emit radiation to others?

  By carrying a radioactive source
• What are the key differences between irradiation and contamination?

  • Irradiation: Exposure to radiation
  • Contamination: Radioactive particles on objects
  • Contamination increases risk of irradiation
• Which of the following are ionising radiation?

  Alpha particles

  Visible light

  Gamma rays

  Microwave radiation

  • Alpha particles
  • Gamma rays
• Contamination is when radioactive particles get onto your body or other objects.
• Which of the following are not ionising radiation?

  Beta particles

  X-rays

  Infrared radiation

  Infrared radiation
• What factors determine how harmful the radiation is?

  • The type of radiation
  • The amount of radiation you receive
  • Where you're exposed to the radiation
• What might happen if DNA is exposed to ionising radiation?

  • The DNA could mutate
  • The DNA could be destroyed
  • The cell could divide uncontrollably and become cancerous
• • X-ray radiation
  • X-rays should be between ultraviolet and gamma radiation. 

  
• Which radioactive substance is the most harmful inside the body and why?

  Alpha particles / radiation becauseit's the most ionising 
• What are the factors that affect the amount of radiation you receive?

  • How far away from the source you are
  • How long you're exposed for
  • How radioactive the substance is
• What safety precautions can be taken when handling radioactive substances?

  • Use tongs when picking up the radioactive substance
  • Store the radioactive substance in a lead-lined box
  • Wear overalls
• True or false? Once you've become irradiated, you become radioactive and can emit radiation to others.

  False