• Question: what effects does radiation have on living tissue?

    Asked by Harry to Adrian, Gaia, Jim, Scott, Vicky on 14 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Gaia Andreoletti

      Gaia Andreoletti answered on 14 Mar 2016:

      Radiations lead to cellular damage. It is like when you leave something made of plastic under the sun: with times the object will be damaged.

    • Photo: Adrian Buzatu

      Adrian Buzatu answered on 14 Mar 2016:

      Radiation is made of particle that ionise matter they pass through. They split the electrons and nuclei from the atoms they pass through. This leads to damaged molecules and cell function. It can lead to DNA damage, or cell death. The more radiation there is, the larger the damage.

    • Photo: Scott Lawrie

      Scott Lawrie answered on 14 Mar 2016:

      Radiation can break the bonds in our DNA. Our cells need DNA to know what to do and how to replicate. Our bodies have survived under the harsh UV light of the Sun (which is also a type of harmful radiation) for billions of years so has come up with methods to repair itself. The body can’t deal with too much UV, though, and that can lead to sunburn and cancer. That’s why it’s important to wear sunblock: to protect us from UV damaging our cells.

      There are a few sources of much higher levels of radiation which will damage a LOT of cell tissue in a very short amount of time. The particle accelerator I work on has got a lot of concrete and lead shielding to protect me from radiation while it’s on, but my dose levels are carefully monitored. The general public is certainly not allowed near those kind of things, so don’t worry :mrgreen:

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