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There is some debate on that topic...
While there is no question that large acute exposure to ionizing radiation is dangerous and potentially lethal, the "jury is still out" on the question of long term exposure to low levels. The issue is that we don't yet have sufficient statistical proof one way or the other.
In fact, the average non-occupational dosage in the US is approximately 200 millirem per year, half from medical sources, and half from natural sources.
Some people even think that some long term exposure is necessary, as part of the driving forces that keep us healthy by forcing our cells to repair themselves.
Since the question remains open, and a hot (:-)>) topic, the nuclear industry has adopted the principle of ALARA, which means As Low As Reasonably Achiveable, so we essentially minimize dosage, both to radiation workers, and to the general public.
Keep in mind that the medical community semi-routinely doses us, such as in a nuclear stress test, with several REM, while the radiation worker community would be horrified if that happened to someone in a short period of time.
Its all a matter of degree, and the body's ability to repair itself.
What else can I help you with?
How are cells affected by radiation?
The alpha particles have an ionising effect changing the polarity of parts of the cells in your body. this then causes your genetic information to become mixed up, causing mutation or death of the cells, the first causing cancerous growths, the latter causing burns.
How can ionisation damage living cells?
ionising radiation can break molecules into ions. these ions take part in other chemical reactions in the body cells. for example these ionization can break the bonds in the DNA bases and cause mutations. or can interrupt with the processes like respiration that provides cell with energy. ionisation can also produce radicals that take part in other chemical reactions in the body like electric impulses from the brain and can damage the nervous system. hope that helps !)
Which kind of radiation can penetrate clothing and skin to damage cells deep within a living body?
gamma
Why is radiation from radioactive elements is destructive to living cells?
Radiation from radioactive elements is destructive to living cells because it damages biological molecules such as DNA, causing mutations and interfering with cellular functions. This can lead to cell death, genetic disorders, and an increased risk of cancer. The ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive elements can break chemical bonds and create free radicals that further damage cells.
Is radiation more harmful to normal cells than to cancerous cells?
Radiation can harm both normal and cancerous cells, but because cancerous cells are often more sensitive to radiation, they may be more likely to be damaged or killed by radiation therapy. Normal cells can repair themselves more effectively than cancerous cells, which helps protect them from the effects of radiation.
What type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?
Gamma radiation has the greatest ionizing effect among the different types of radiation. It consists of high-energy photons that can penetrate deeply into tissues and cells, causing extensive damage by ionizing atoms and molecules along its path.
What has the author Ian D Logan written?
Ian D. Logan has written: 'The effect of low intensity laser irradiation and low level, low LET ionising radiation on DNAwithin mammalian cells'
How are cells affected by radiation?
The alpha particles have an ionising effect changing the polarity of parts of the cells in your body. this then causes your genetic information to become mixed up, causing mutation or death of the cells, the first causing cancerous growths, the latter causing burns.
Can radiation kill pancreatic cancer?
When ionising radiation interacts with living cells is usually kills these cells. Thus yes, radiation can kill pancreatic cells that are cancerous. However the radiation will also destroy healthy cells (and destroy the pancreas) so the amount of radiation given has to be low and well targeted. This is difficult to achieve and if any cancerous cells remain alive they will regrow the cancer.
Explain why blood treated with ionising radiation does not expose the patient with ionising radiation?
This is not a routine practice, but it is desirable when transfusing animmunocompromised patient, as the T-lymphocytes in the transfused blood may otherwise provoke a graft-versus-host reaction. Low-dose ionising radiation inactivates the T-lymphocytes without harming the other blood components. Radiation has also been proposed as a method of sterilising the blood units, but much higher doses, which are not necessarily well tolerated by the blood cells, are needed for this purpose.
How does the heating effect of absorbed radiation damage living cells?
well i was on here to find an answer but i found nothing, so they probably damage them by ionizing them causing cancerous cells or they can develop radiation sickness, this means the cells can have an abnormal cell, so when this divides it carrys on the chain.
What has the author David Sumner written?
David Sumner has written: 'Radiation risks' -- subject(s): Physiological effect, Effect of radiation on, Cells, Radiation
How is radioactivity materials harmful?
When a living body absorbs radiation, the radiation can cause shemical changes in the body. Some of these Might effect the DNA and cause a rapid, out of control growth of cells...CANCER.
How can uv light cause more than one type of effect?
UV light is a type of radiation that generally has negative consequences on living cells.
What has the author Frederick Gordon Spear written?
Frederick Gordon Spear has written: 'Radiations and living cells' -- subject(s): Physiological effect, Radiation
What effect does ionising radiation have on the body?
Ionizing radiation can damage cells and DNA by breaking chemical bonds, leading to mutations and potential cell death. This damage can increase the risk of cancer and other health effects, depending on the dose and type of radiation exposure. Acute high doses can cause immediate radiation sickness, while chronic exposure to lower doses may increase the risk of developing cancer over time.
Are gamma rays ionising or non-ionising?
Gamma rays are ionizing radiation, meaning they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, which can create charged particles (ions) as they pass through matter. This ionization process can damage biological cells and DNA, making gamma rays a health hazard.
