Answer:
The hazards associated with ionizing radiation are that:
- it can create charged particles, called free radicals, that can take part in chemical reactions in cells and change them.
- this free radicals can break the structure of the DNA molecule and cause genetic mutations.
Explanation:
Radiation is defined as the propagation of energy in the form of waves or particles through vacuum or a material medium. Ionizing radiation is high energy radiation that when it interacts with an atom it can remove bound electrons from the orbit of the atom, causing it to become ionized (charged). Radioactive decay of naturally occurring or artificially produced isotopes can emit this kind of radiation.
The potential damage of ionizing radiation depends on the amount of radiation (dose) and the period of time it is delivered on. The potential to cause harm in organs and tissues is quantified by the effective dose and is measure in Sievert (Sv). 1 Sv is equivalent to 1 Joule per kilogram.
It is not true that any exposure to ionizing radiation causes radiation sickness. Every time we undergo a computed tomography scan or an X-ray we receive an small dose of radiation. In a dental X-ray we get approximately 0,005 mSv. 1 Sv is the threshold for acute radiation syndrome.
Ionization of molecules can led to the breaking of chemical bonds and to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired valence electron and due to this are quite reactive.These free radicals can break the double strand of the DNA molecule and cause genetic mutations that could be transmitted to future generations.
