Question

Problem 12: What single property of radiation makes it possible for that radiation to do biological damage? List at least three distinctly different biological effects of radiation, and of their uses (beneficial) or dangers (detrimental). (6pts.)

Answer 1

Ionising property of the radiation is responsible for the biological damage because it can ionize molecules or break chemical bonds, which damages the molecule and causes malfunctions in cell processes. It can also create reactive hydroxyl radicals that damage biological molecules and disrupt physiological processes.

Biological effects of radiation :

A single accidental exposure to a high dose of radiation during a short period of time is referred to as an acute exposure and may produce biological effects within a short period after exposure. These effects include:

1) Skin damage
2) Nausea and vomiting
3) Malaise and fatigue
4) Increased temperature
5) Blood changes
6) Bone marrow damage
7) Damage to cells lining the small intestine
8) Damage to blood vessels in the brain

Benefits:

Radiation therapy : X ray, gamma rays etc provide help in treatment of cancer.

X ray imaging : X rays have the ability to visualize internal situations. X-Ray imaging takes advantage of the fact that dense structures (i.e. bone) absorb more x-rays than the softer tissues that surround it.

Dangers : The disadvantages of radiation therapy includes damage to surrounding tissues (e.g. lung, heart), depending on how close the area of interest is located to the tumor and inability to kill tumor cells that cannot be seen on imaging scans