Radioactivity 2.

Question 1

Describe the risks of using radioactive materials.

Answer 1

Radiation can damage the DNA in our cells. High doses of radiation can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRI). High doses of radiation could also lead to cancer later in life. To summarise, radiation can cause lota of different diseases or side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, hemorrhage, destruction of the intestinal lining, central nervous system damage, and death.

Question 2

How can you reduce the risks of using radioactive material?

Answer 2

-keep radioactive sources shielded (preferably in a lead-lined box) when not in use.
-wear protective clothing to prevent the body becoming contaminated should radioactive isotopes leak out.
-avoid contact with bare skin and do not attempt to taste the sources.

Question 3

Describe some of the uses of radioactive materials.

Answer 3

• radium is commonly used in watches to make them glow in the dark
• radioactive materials can sterilise surgical eauipments and food
• some radioactive materials can cure cancer by killing tumor cells
• doctors can use radioactive tracers with short half lives and a gamma camera to see internal organs