Why Radiation is Harmful
This lesson covers:
- The meaning of the terms 'contamination' and 'irradiation'
- Why radiation is harmful to our DNA and cells
- The most and least harmful types of radiation
- Some of the safety precautions required when handling radioactive substances
Irradiation is the process by which objects are __________ radiation.
exposed to
protected from
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Which of the following are ionising radiation?
(Select all that apply)
Gamma rays
Alpha particles
Microwave radiation
Visible light
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Irradiation / Contamination
is when radioactive particles get onto your body or other objects.
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Beta particles
X-rays
Infrared radiation
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Which factors determine how harmful the radiation is?
(Select all that apply)
The type of radiation
The amount of radiation you receive
Where you're exposed to the radiation
The amount of antioxidants in your body
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What might happen if DNA is exposed to ionising radiation?
(Select all that apply)
The DNA could become radioactive
The DNA could mutate
The DNA could be destroyed
The cell could divide uncontrollably and become cancerous
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The above diagram shows radiation in order of harm, when the source of radiation is in close contact with your body.
Which radiation is out of place in the diagram?
Infra-red radiation
Ultraviolet radiation
X-ray radiation
Alpha radiation
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Four radioactive substances are on the table across the room from you. Which is the least harmful and why?
Gamma radiation because it's not very ionising
Alpha radiation because it's not very ionising
Beta radiation because it's not very ionising
Alpha radiation because it can't penetrate very far in air
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Which radioactive substance is the most harmful inside the body and why?
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What are the factors that affect the amount of radiation you receive?
(Select all that apply)
How long you're exposed for
How radioactive the substance is
Whether you're in good or poor health
How far away from the source you are
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What safety precautions can be taken when handling radioactive substances?
(Select all that apply)
Wear overalls
Freeze the radioactive substance first
Store the radioactive substance in a lead-lined box
Use tongs when picking up the radioactive substance
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True or false? Once you've become irradiated, you become radioactive and can emit radiation to others.
True
False
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