Effect of nuclear radiation on living cells

When radiation collides with molecules in living cells it can damage them.
If the DNA in the nucleus of a cell is damaged, the cell may become
cancerous. The cell then goes out of control, divides rapidly and causes
serious health problems.

The greater the dose of radiation a cell gets, the greater the chance that the
cell will become cancerous. However, very high doses of radiation can kill
the cell completely. We use this property of radiation to kill cancer cells, Example of radiation
and also harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms. damage.

Alpha, beta and gamma radiation

The degree to which each different type of radiation is most dangerous to

the body depends on whether the source is outside or inside the body.

If the radioactive source is inside the body, perhaps after being swallowed
or breathed in:
This hazard symbol is
 Alpha radiation is the most dangerous, because it is absorbed easily shown on containers of
by cells. radioactive substances to
warn of the dangers
 Beta, gamma (and X-ray) radiation are not so dangerous, as they are
less likely to be absorbed by a cell and usually just pass right through it.

If the radioactive source is outside the body:

 Alpha radiation is not as dangerous, because it is unlikely to reach living cells inside the
body.
 Beta, gamma (and X-ray) radiation are the most dangerous sources, as they can penetrate
the skin and damage the cells inside.

Notice that these effects are opposites.

Safety precautions

Precautions are necessary when working with radioactive sources. Such sources should be kept
away from the body and never brought close to the eyes. Sources should be shielded from the
body and handled using tongs so that the source is kept away from the body.

The radiation that a person receives can be monitored using film badges. The film in the badge
is developed once the badge has been worn for a certain length of time. The amount of
blackening that is produced on the film is a measure of the dose received by the person wearing
the badge. Film badges are checked regularly to ensure that the dose received by the person does
not exceed safety limits.