Are radioactive isotopes safe in the body?

Answer 1

Radioactive substances in the environment can harm cells, damage DNA, and cause cancer. If we take gamma rays, they kill living cells upon contact as they have high penetration power. But this doesn't mean that they are totally dangerous and can't be used by living things. We have to see the level of radioactive isotopes used in order to say they are dangerous to others. Low levels of radioactive isotopes is used in a sample and it becomes a tracer by which to detect molecular changes. Melvin Calvin and his coworkers used Carbon 14 to detect all the various reactions that occur during the process of photosynthesis. Radioactive isotopes are being used largely in the medical field. The high level of radioactive isotopes (radiation) has been used to sterilize medicine and dental products for many years. Now, it can be used to sterilize the US mail and other packages to free them of possible pathogens such as anthrax spores. In addition to this, cancer treatment through radioisotopes to destroy only cancer cells, with little risk to the rest of the body is another important use of radioactive isotopes.

Answer 2

• If inhaled or ingested before decaying, Alpha radiation causes large amounts of ionization damage. This can lead to cancer.
• Beta radiation causes beta burns on the skin. They are similar to sunburn but worse and usually deeper. This can lead to skin ulcers that won't heal and sometimes cancer.
• Gamma radiation is like x-rays, which cause cancer.

Answer 3

Some isotopes are safe while others can be radioactive.

Answer 4

Radioactive isotopes are generally dangerous.

Answer 5

External and internal irradiation.

Answer 6

Yes.