Dangers of Radiation Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

State two ways in which ionising radiation can be dangerous to humans.

Any two: it damages or kills cells; it mutates DNA / causes chromosomal damage; it can cause cancer; it causes radiation sickness; it can burn the skin.

State two precautions a teacher should take when demonstrating an experiment with a radioactive source.

Any two: keep a safe distance; point the source away from people; handle the source with tongs; limit the exposure time / return the source to the lead-lined store as soon as possible; use shielding or a screen; wear a film badge.

True or false? Standing further away from a radioactive source reduces the dose of radiation you receive.

True. This is why sources are handled with tongs and at a distance.

What is the purpose of the film badge (dosimeter) worn by medical staff who work with radiation?

It monitors/records the total radiation dose the wearer has received, so their exposure can be checked and kept low.

How do hospitals keep the risk to patients from radiation treatment low?

They give each patient the smallest dose that will do the job, and shield the parts of the body not being treated.