Why are radioactive substances potentially hazardous?

Answer 1

Because they emit what is called Ionising Radiation, which is harmful to living organisms. In the short term it causes damage to the bone marrow, upsetting the blood composition, and causing death in a few days if enough radiation is absorbed. In the long term cancers may be caused. People working with radiation are all monitored and exposure is limited to safe levels

Answer 2

Radioactive elements give off very energetic charged particles. Or if Neutrons, even more dangerous again.

These high energy emissions can knock an electron from its orbit, thus changing the chemical being of the element. Or even knock part of the nucleus astray.

In either case, the chemical nature and structure ofter damaged element is changed, and the piece of chemical molecule, or even DNA, is no longer able to function. They may change an atom into an ionized 'free radical' and this can cause a cancer.

Neutrons, because of their neutral character, are not deflected by the electric charges in the atom, and thus have greater penetrating power. In this mode, they are used to x-ray metals, particularly weld joints, which they easily penetrate..

Answer 3

The main danger from radioactivity is the damage it does to the cells in your body.

Most of this damage is due to ionisation when the radiation passes, although if levels of radiation are high there can be damage due to heating effects as your body absorbs the energy from the radiation, rather like heating food in a microwave oven.

Answer 4

Radioactive materials are so dangerous because they emit radiation. Radiation is caused due to the collision of photons, electrons and helium nuclei. Upon collision, radiation can occur which can be detrimental to the health.

Answer 5

gamma particles

Answer 6

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma