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Biological effects of radiation
Beginner
Ionising radiation damages cells.
Ionising radiation damages DNA, which can cause cell death or mutation. Risk depends on dose, type and tissue; the LNT model assumes some risk at any dose.
Acute dose of 4 Sv can be fatal.
Protect with time, distance and shielding.
In more detail
Radiation damages cells by breaking chemical bonds and DNA, which can cause cancer or cell death. Effects depend on dose, type of radiation and exposure time.
Real-world uses
- Radiation protection rules limit exposure for workers and the public.
- Radiotherapy uses controlled damage to kill cancer cells.
- Doctors and safety officers limit exposure to radiation because it can damage DNA and increase cancer risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Is low-dose radiation dangerous?
Risks at low doses are uncertain, but regulations assume a linear risk for safety.
How do the body's cells repair damage?
Cells have repair pathways, but high doses can overwhelm them.
Is all radiation harmful?
High doses are harmful, but low doses from natural sources are part of everyday life, and small doses are much less risky.
Related topics in Atomic & Nuclear Physics
Radiation detection · Interaction of radiation with matter · Radiation units · Medical uses of radiation · Nuclear shell model · Liquid drop model