Topic 6) Uses & Dangers of Radiations Flashcards
what is irradiation?
exposing objects to beams of radiation
what does irradiation apply to?
all types of radiation including radiation from the nuclei of atoms
what can irradiation do?
cause damage to living cells
how can irradiation be used?
to preserve fruit
how does irradiation preserve fruit?
gamma rays are emitted by the cobalt will destroy any bacteria on the fruit, but it won’t change the fruit in any way
when does contamination occur?
if an object has a radioactive material introduced into it
differences between irradiation and contamination?
irradiation - can be blocked with suitable shielding
contamination - once an object is contaminated, the radiation cannot be blocked
what can nuclear radiation do to the body?
ionise chemicals within a body, which changes the way the cells behave
how does radiation mutate DNA?
by depositing large amounts of energy into the body (this can also damage/destroy cells)
how does radiation effect eyes?
high doses can cause cataracts
how does radiation affect the thyroid?
radioactive iodine can build up and cause cancer
how does radiation affect the lungs?
breathing in radioisotopes can damage DNA
how does radiation affect the reproductive organs?
high doses can cause sterility or mutation
how does radiation affect skin?
radiation can burn skin or cause cancer
how does radiation affect bone marrow?
radiation can cause leukaemia and other diseases of the blood
what does the risk of radioactive materials depend on?
the amount of exposure
what are precautions taken to reduce the risk of radioactive sources?
wear face masks to avoid breathing in materials
limit exposure time
