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Effects of Radiation

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Effects of Radiation

Cells of mammals 70-85% water, 10-20% proteins, 10%

carbohydrates

Radiation in water produces H2O+, H2O* and e- :

H2O++ H2O → H3O+ + OH

H2O* → H2O+ + e- or H + OH

e- → e-aq

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Effects of Radiation

Biological Effects Direct – initial action of radiation (ex. DNA

ionization)

Indirect – later chemical actions (ex. OH attacks DNA)

Stochastic – statistical risk (elevated cancer levels)

Deterministic – casual relationship (skin reddening)

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Effects of Radiation

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Effects of Radiation

Sources of Human Data Life span study of survivors at Hiroshima

and Nagasaki X rays used to shrink thymus glands in

children 1930-40s X rays used to treat ringworm of the scalp

1940-50s Radium dial painters 1920s Uranium miners Accidents – bomb test fallout (1954),

Chernobyl (1986)

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Effects of Radiation

Acute radiation syndrome

Delayed effects Cancer Shortened Lifespan Cataracts Genetic mutations

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Effects of Radiation