The danger lies in ionizing radiation

Radioactive materials emit ionizing radiation, which can alter the structure of the matter into which it penetrates. How does this happen? Due to its highly energetic nature, ionizing radiation can eject or deviate electrons which are on its trajectory (ionization). This can cause cell damage.

Ionization is happening all the time, even in our own body. This is because we are continuously exposed to ionizing radiation. Our body has, however, developed an effective repair mechanism: it constantly produces new cells.

But sometimes the damage caused by radiation exposure is irreparable. In this case, the affected cells will either die (early effects of radiation) or survive in altered form: they have undergone cell mutation (delayed effects of radiation).

How great is the danger?

This is a difficult question to answer. The extent of the danger depends on various factors, such as the exposure time, the intensity of the radiation, the type of radiation, and whether all or just part of the body was exposed.

Early effects of radiation

A large dose of radiation can kill so many cells that the body cannot replace them rapidly enough. This results in serious effects, such as skin burns, vomiting, migraine and internal bleeding. An exceptionally high dose can kill a person within days or weeks.

Delayed effects of radiation

After being ingested or inhaled, the radioactive particles settle in certain organs. If a radioactive atom splits in such organs and releases energy, it can damage a neighbouring cell.

The growth of each cell is governed by the genes. These determine when and how a cell splits. When these regulating genes become damaged, wild and uncontrollable cellular division may follow. In certain cases, such uncontrolled proliferation can cause cancer. This cancer may remain latently present for several decades before becoming apparent.

Studies of populations exposed to an exceptionally large dose of radiation, notably the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have shown that very large doses can increase the risk of cancer and, possibly, cause genetic damage. Effects such as these cannot usually be confirmed in any particular individual exposed; they occur at random in the irradiated population.

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