We can define radiation as small or subatomic particles with kinetic energy which are radiated or transmitted through space. There are two forms of radiation, where one type of radiation possesses properties of light with having the quality of most of the radiation around us. And the other kind of radiation possesses particle-like properties; these particles are so small that they can not be seen through a microscope. Radiation effects are on a lot of cases. These harmful effects of radiation are caused due to electromagnetic radiation emerging from cell phones, especially smartphones, AirPods, mobile towers, 5g, the atomic bomb and a few other electronic systems we use. Some radiation effects are mentioned below:
1. Radiation effects on humans.
2. Radiation affects our health (includes teeth, skin, brain, oral mucosa, eyes, heart).
3. Ultraviolet radiation causes human viral infections.
4. Radiation effects on biota.
5. Radiation effects on birds.
6. Radiation effects on plants.
7. Radiation effects on the environment.
8. Radiation affects viruses in marine ecosystems.
9. Radiation effects cause pollution.
Harmful Effects Of Radiation
Radiation effects on humans damage the intestinal tract lining, which causes nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Radioactive materials that emit alpha and beta particles are most harmful when swallowed, inhaled, absorbed or injected. Some ionizing radiations can be harmful. Gamma rays are instead formed of energy and the most harmful external hazard.
Radiation Effects On Humans
Radiation effects on humans' health like skin burns and radiation syndrome or radiation sickness can be caused by exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast. It may also cause long-term health effects, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The most seen problems nowadays, losing hair quickly. Since brain cells do not reproduce, they get damaged if the exposure is 5,000 rems or more. Heart radiation kills nerve cells and blood vessels and can cause immediate death. Radioactive iodine can destroy all parts of the thyroid.
Effects Of Nuclear Radiation On The Human Body
Nuclear radiation is energetic enough to ionize atoms by knocking off their electrons. This ionization radiation can damage DNA molecules directly by breaking the bonds between atoms. Ionization radiation is the kind that minerals, atom bombs and nuclear effects the human body, it weakens and breaks up DNA. The effects of nuclear radiation on the human body can be explained like, what happens is that the nucleus of radioactive elements decay and emerges as high energy particles. If we stand in the way of those particles, they are going to interact with the body cells. A participle, an energy packet moves through our cells and tissues.
So, these are the effects of nuclear radiation on the human body, some harmful effects of radiation.
What Are The Effects Of Radiation Exposure?
The effects of exposure to a particular radionuclide depend on:
• The energy of the radiation emits.
• Its activity how often it emits radiation.
• Whether the disclosure is external or internal.
• The rate at which the body metabolizes
• Where the radionuclide gets concentrated and the duration it stays in the body.
Exposure to less radiation does not lead to immediate health effects but can cause a small increase in the risk of cancer for a lifetime. Children are especially reactive to radiation exposure. There are studies which keep track of people exposed to radiation; these studies show that the risk of cancer gradually increases, the higher the dose higher the risk.
Solved Examples
Question 1: When 15P30 decays to become 14Si30, what will be the particle released?
Solution: The reaction which occurs when
15P30 decays to become 14Si30 is 15P30 -> + 1e0 + 14Si30
Hence, it is clear that the particle that is released is (D) positron.
Question 2: A radioactive isotope having a half-life of 3days was received after 9days. It was found that there were only 4gms of the isotope in the container. What was the initial weight of the isotope when packed.
Solution: Half life = 3days
Let initial amount in the container = x
Fraction of amount left after 3 g=half lives, (1/2)3 = 1/8
So, (1/8)of x = 4gms
ð X = 32gms.
Did You Know?
People are more responsible for the emission of radiation than smartphones. Inside the Chernobyl, reactors grow a type of fungus that thrives on radiation. Cosmic radiation from space is consistently hitting the earth. Some smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke. Radon is a radioactive gas you can not see, smell, or taste, but it may be a problem in your home or school.
FAQs on Harmful Effects of Radiation
1. What are the primary types of harmful radiation a student should know about?
Harmful radiation is primarily categorised as ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. The main types include:
- Alpha Particles (α): These are heavy, positively charged particles. They have low penetrating power and can be stopped by skin, but are very damaging if inhaled or ingested.
- Beta Particles (β): These are high-energy electrons. They can penetrate the skin's surface and cause damage like skin burns.
- Gamma Rays (γ) and X-rays: These are high-energy electromagnetic waves. They have high penetrating power and can pass through the entire body, causing widespread damage to internal organs and DNA.
- Neutrons: These are uncharged particles that are highly penetrating and can cause significant damage by making other materials radioactive.
2. How does ionizing radiation damage human cells and DNA?
Ionizing radiation damages cells by disrupting their atomic structure, primarily through two mechanisms:
- Direct Action: The radiation particle or wave directly strikes and breaks the chemical bonds in a critical molecule like DNA. This can cause single-strand or double-strand breaks in the DNA helix, leading to mutations or cell death.
- Indirect Action: The radiation interacts with water molecules in the cell, which make up about 70-80% of its volume. This creates highly reactive free radicals (like the hydroxyl radical, •OH). These radicals then travel and damage DNA and other vital cellular components. This indirect pathway is the most common cause of radiation damage in biological systems.
3. What is the difference between the somatic and genetic effects of radiation?
The distinction between somatic and genetic effects depends on which type of cells in the body are affected:
- Somatic Effects: These are harmful effects that appear in the exposed individual. They result from damage to somatic (non-reproductive) cells. Examples include radiation sickness, skin burns, cataracts, and cancer. These effects are not passed on to offspring.
- Genetic Effects: These are effects that appear in the descendants of the exposed individual. They occur when radiation damages the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells). These mutations can be passed down, potentially causing hereditary diseases or disorders in future generations.
4. What are some examples of immediate versus long-term health effects from radiation exposure?
The health consequences of radiation exposure are time-dependent and dose-dependent:
- Immediate Effects (Acute): These occur within hours, days, or weeks of a high-dose exposure. They are collectively known as Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or radiation sickness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin burns, and hair loss. Very high doses can damage the central nervous system and cause rapid death.
- Long-Term Effects (Chronic): These can take months, years, or even decades to appear after exposure. The most significant long-term effect is an increased risk of cancer, such as leukaemia and thyroid cancer, due to accumulated DNA mutations. Other long-term effects can include cardiovascular disease and cataracts.
5. How does radioactive contamination harm the environment?
Radioactive contamination harms the environment by introducing radioactive materials into the air, water, and soil. This has several negative impacts:
- Bioaccumulation: Radioactive isotopes, such as caesium-137 and strontium-90, can be absorbed by plants and enter the food chain. They become more concentrated at higher trophic levels, harming wildlife and potentially humans who consume contaminated food.
- Damage to Biota: Radiation can cause genetic mutations, cancer, and reproductive problems in plants and animals, leading to population declines and ecosystem instability.
- Soil and Water Contamination: Long-lived radioactive materials can persist in the environment for thousands of years, making land and water sources unsafe for agriculture and habitation.
6. Why is ionizing radiation like gamma rays considered dangerous, while non-ionizing radiation like radio waves is generally safe?
The key difference lies in their energy levels. Ionizing radiation (like gamma rays, X-rays, and alpha particles) carries enough energy per particle to knock electrons completely out of atoms, a process called ionization. This creates charged ions and free radicals that can break chemical bonds and damage DNA. In contrast, non-ionizing radiation (like radio waves, microwaves, and visible light) has lower energy. It can excite electrons or cause molecules to vibrate, generating heat, but it does not have enough energy to ionize atoms and cause the type of molecular damage associated with cancer and radiation sickness.
