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THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON LIVING ORGANISMS

Radiation is known to be a danger, but this is not totally correct. The existence of radiation has been known since ancient times. On the other hand, through technological and industrial development, the purification of uranium and its widespread usage caused an increase in the effects of radiation. [Pg.77]

Many sources of radiation already exist in our world. In fact, electrical devices such as the TV cellphones, photocopy machines, x-ray machines are common examples. Nuclear reactions can be shown to be one of the important sources of radiation. In nuclear tests (atomic and hydrogen bombs) some radioactive substances are produced and although the reactions stop, the radiation continues. [Pg.77]

Another source of radiation is space. As we know the energy of our sun and all other stars form nuclear fusion reactions. Not only heat and light but also nuclear radiation come to the Earth from space. This nuclear radiation is called cosmic rays or cosmic radiations . The earth s ozone layer usually absorbs these types of radiations. However, a very small quantity of cosmic rays reaches the Earth s surface. Briefly, it is not possible to get rid of radiation. [Pg.77]

In space, radioactive rays have the enormous speed of about 300,000 km per second. Due to this, they can easily enter our body and damage our cells. Moreover, these rays may also change the chemical structure of our cells. In fact, electrically charged rays can ionize and decompose some molecules in cells in only one thousandth of a second. In addition, they can affect other cells found in the surroundings of these cells and may disrupt their physiological functions. When these types of cells are exposed to radiation they either die or lose their function. In reality, the death of only a small amount of cells is not so important because in normal conditions the death of some cells results in the rebirth of new ones. However, the sudden death of a large number of cells is very dangerous. [Pg.77]

REM The biological effect on living tissue by roentgen of X-rays [Pg.77]


See other pages where THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON LIVING ORGANISMS is mentioned: [Pg.77]    [Pg.458]    [Pg.305]    [Pg.92]   


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