Risks from nuclear radiation

Question 1

What are dangers of beta and gamma radiation?

Answer 1

They can penetrate the skin and soft tissues to reach the delicate organs inside the body.

Question 2

What are the dangers of alpha radiation

Answer 2

It can’t penetrate the skin, but it’s very dangerous if it gets inside the body. Alpha sources do all their damage in a very localized area.

Question 3

How does radiation harm the body?

Answer 3

It collides with molecules in your cells. These collisions cause ionization, which damages or destroys the molecules. The extent of the harmful effects depends on how much exposure you have to the radiation, and its energy and penetration.

Question 4

Impact of lower doses

Answer 4

Tend to cause minor damage without killing the cell. This can cause mutations in cells which then divide uncontrollably - this is cancer.

Question 5

Impact of higher doses

Answer 5

Tend to kill cells completely, causing radiation sickness if a large part of your body is affected at the same time.

Question 6

What is exposure to radiation called?

Answer 6

Irradiation

Question 7

What happens to objects near a radioactive source?

Answer 7

They are irradiated by it. Irradiating something does not make it radioactive.

Question 8

Ways to reduce the risk of radiation

Answer 8

Keeping sources in lead-lined boxes, standing behind barriers, being in a different room, and using remote controlled arms.

Question 9

What is contamination?

Answer 9

Radioactive particles getting into objects - if unwanted radioactive atoms get into or onto the object, it is said to be contaminated.

Question 10

What happens after contamination

Answer 10

The atoms might decay, releasing radiation which could cause you harm.

Question 11

Why is contamination especially dangerous?

Answer 11

Radioactive particles could get inside your body.

Question 12

What precautions should be taken when handling radioactive sources?

Answer 12

Gloves and tongs should be used to avoid particles getting stuck to your skin or under your nails. Masks and suits can also be used to prevent inhalation of particles.

Question 13

What does ‘low-level’ radiation mean?

Answer 13

It is only slightly radioactive e.g. clothing and syringes

Question 14

How can ‘low-level’ radiation be disposed of?

Answer 14

It can be buried in secure landfill sites

Question 15

What is the problem with ‘high-level’ waste?

Answer 15

It is really dangerous because a lot of it stays highly radioactive for tens of thousands of years.

Question 16

How can ‘high level’ radiation be disposed of?

Answer 16

It’s often sealed into glass blocks which are then put into metal canisters. These are buried deep underground.

Question 17

Why is it difficult to find a an area to bury high-level waste?

Answer 17

The site has to be geologically stable (e.g. not suffer from earthquakes). This is because movements of rock could disturb canisters and allow radioactive material to leak out. If this material gets out, it could contaminate the natural environment.