Why is radiation harmful

Cards (10)

Irradiation
Irradiation is the process by which objects are exposed to radiation
Ionising radiation
Radiation that has enough energy to remove an electron from an atom causing it to become positively charged
4 types of ionising radiation
Alpha radiation
Beta radiation
Gamma radiation
X-rays
Contamination
When radioactive particles get onto your body or other objects
What factors determine how harmful the radiation is
The type of radiation
Where you exposed the radiation
The amount of radiation you receive
Why is alpha radiation the most harmful to the body
Most ionising so damaged our cells the most
Why is ionising radiation harmful
Damages our cells or cause mutation that can lead to cancer
For a radioactive substance 1m away from our body which type of radiation is most harmful
Beta radiation as it would be able to reach our body and is moderately ionising
Which factors 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 radioactive substances
Store the radioactive substances in lead-lined boxes
Wear overalls/goggles/gloves
Keep substance out for as short a time as possible