Are radioactive materials dangerous

Answer 1

They can be. Some radioactive elements are chemical poisons, apart from their radioactivity, but beyond some fairly low level, the radiation itself can damage cells and tissues. High radiation doses can cause biological tissues (that's US!) to break down fairly quickly causing rapid death, and moderate radiation doses can cause cancers which can kill you over longer time periods.

Low doses of radiation are probably harmless; the level of "low" is a matter of some dispute among scientists and doctors.

Answer 2

Radioactivity can be harmful if living things are exposed to it for prolonged periods of time. There are many useful things that radioactivity does for us, particularly in the fields of medicne and in energy generation and production. But we don't want to be around unstable radionuclides for any length of time if we have a choice.

Radioactivity is the particles and/or energy emissions from unstable atomic nuclei, and these emissions are considered ionizing radiation. They can cause tissue damage, and are generally best avoided.

Answer 3

This is a very broad question. Radioactivity is not one single thing. Different materials emit different forms of radiation and these can be harmful to varying degrees. Radiation causes damage by ionising the molecules and chemicals in tissue to change their structure and thus affect their function.

There are 3 types of radiation:

• Alpha
• Beta
• Gamma

If you have a particular material in mind, then it would be best to try and find out what form of radiation it emits. It could be any of them or any combination of them as a material can emit more than 1 radiation. Then do a bit of research on the effects of that form of radiation. In general, exposure to a minor source for a short period of time should not be dangerous, but steps should always be taken to protect yourself from direct contact. Always limit the time of exposure, if possible cover exposed body parts, and take any other reasonable precautions.

Answer 4

Yes, because these rays can pass through the body and can damage internal organs.

Answer 5

In large quantities, yes. But the amount of radiation you are exposed to in medical x-rays is an extremely small amount, and is not likey to cause you any harm.

Answer 6

Yes they are bad

Answer 7

no it is not all harmfull

Answer 8

Nope!