Dangers Of Radioactivity

Question 1

Beta gamma and Alpha

Answer 1

Ionising radiation can damage cells and tissues

Beta and gamma penetrate the skin and soft tissues to reach the delicate organs inside the body more hazardous than alpha when outside

Inside beta gamma mostly pass straight out not too much damaged

Alpha very dangerous inside body can do damage to a very localised area

Ionisation damages and destroys molecules

Question 2

Large and small doses of radiation

Answer 2

Lower doses minor damage without killing cells causes mutations in cells which then divide uncontrollably cancer

Higher doses kill cells completely causing radiation sickness

Question 3

Extent of damage depends on

Answer 3

How much exposure you have and the energy of the radiation and penetration

Question 4

Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill

Answer 4

Cancer cells use high doses gamma radiation directed at precise area

Question 5

Why is radioactive waste difficult to dispose of safely

Answer 5

Low level radioactive waste can be disposed by burying insecure landfills

High level waste really dangerous highly Radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years sealed in glass blocks which are sealed in metal canisters buried deep Underground

Need to know more places that have to be geologically stable so none can leak out into underground water which could contaminate soil plants Rivers etc