Radiation can be very useful in medicine, industry, and research, but too much exposure is harmful because ionizing radiation can damage living cells and DNA.
Dangers of radiation exposure
Short-term (acute) effects
- Radiation sickness (after a large dose in a short time)
- Nausea, vomiting, fatigue
- Skin burns and hair loss
- Organ damage at high doses
- High, sudden doses (like from accidents or explosions) can be fatal.
Long-term effects
- Cancer: Damaged DNA may lead to leukemia, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, etc.
- Genetic mutations: Radiation can cause heritable changes if reproductive cells are affected.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens.
- Reduced fertility after significant exposure.
Environmental and situational risks
- Radon gas (a natural radioactive gas seeping from rocks) is a major source of background radiation and a lung cancer risk.
- Nuclear accidents (like Chernobyl, Fukushima) caused widespread contamination.
- Improper handling of medical/industrial isotopes can lead to accidental exposure.
Protection (Radiation Safety Principles)
- Time: Limit exposure time.
- Distance: Stay as far as possible from the source.
- Shielding: Use barriers (lead, concrete, or even thick water) to block radiation.
- Monitoring: Geiger counters, dosimeters, and safety protocols keep doses within safe limits.
Summary: Small, controlled doses of radiation (like in X-rays or cancer treatment) are safe and useful. But large or prolonged exposure can cause sickness, cancer, or genetic damage, which is why strict safety measures are always used.