Biological Effects of Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
How does radiation affect us?
A
- Ionising radiation causes molecules to become ionised or excited
- DNA is mainly the target for cell damage
2
Q
Define absorbed dose
A
D = energy imparted/mass of tissue units is Gray, Gy
3
Q
How can radiation be classified in tissues?
Deterministic
A
Deterministic =
- radiation injuries
- threshold dose
- severity of effect increases
- early/late effects
- skin burns/lens
- hair loss
4
Q
How can radiation be classified in tissues?
Stochastic
A
- Cancer
- cell mutation
- no threshold dose
- probability of effect increases with dose
- leukaemia
- Genetic effects
