Dangers of Radioactivity

Dangers of Radioactivity

Ionisation Effect

• Radioactive substances emit radiation that can ionise surrounding materials.
• Ionising radiation has enough energy to knock out electrons from atoms and create ions.
• These ions can cause unexpected reactions, potentially damaging materials and living tissue.

Impact on Human Health

• High exposure levels to radioactive materials can lead to Radiation Sickness, which includes symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and abnormal bleeding.
• Prolonged exposure to smaller amounts of radiation can result in long-term health issues like cancer and genetic damage.
• Radioactive material can be absorbed into body tissues and continue to expose the person to radiation over time.

Exposure to Radon Gas

• Radon gas is naturally occurring and can accumulated in poorly ventilated areas, posing a health risk because it’s radioactive.
• It can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time.

Nuclear Accidents

• Accidents at nuclear power plants can lead to the release of large quantities of radioactive materials into the environment.
• This can cause significant health harm to the public, damage the environment, and require costly cleanup operations.

Nuclear Waste

• Nuclear waste, which can remain dangerously radioactive for thousands of years, is difficult to store safely and securely.
• Leakage, accidental or deliberate, can contaminate the environment leading to harmful levels of radiation exposure.

Remember, while radioactivity plays an important role for example, in medical imaging and treatments as well as energy generation, it’s crucial to understand its potential hazards and manage it appropriately.