Biological Effects of Radiation

introduction
The effects majorly refer to the changes that often occur in living organisms, especially when exposed
to ionization radiation. It may also refer to the energy released as charged particles at high speed. The
ionization radiation points to the types of radiation, such as x-rays and y-rays, which have enough
energy to disconnect tightly bound electrons from atoms. It can be dangerous to live organisms as it has
the power to change the DNA and other components leading to the emergence of dangerous diseases
such as cancer.

Factors determining the effect of ionization radiation

 The effects of radiation depend on various factors, some of which include: the kind of radiation, the
sensitivity of the organism, the duration of exposure, and other factors. Alpha rays are one of the kinds
of radiation. They do not have high penetration power but are dangerous, especially when ingested or
inhaled by living organisms. These cannot penetrate even a single layer of human skin.
Beta particles penetrate further than alpha ones, but a sheet of aluminum can stop them. They penetrate
only a few millimetres inside the skin. Gamma particles, on the other side, can penetrate through matter
easily and can only be stopped by thick layers of lead. The gamma penetrates several centimetres into
the human skin. X-rays are gamma particles produced by different elements that are useful in medical
imaging and radiation therapies. 

Effects of radiation on living organisms

These rays may cause significant harm when high dosages are administered since they can penetrate
deeper into the skin and result in tissue damage. Some of these ionization radiations, such as X-rays,
cause harm to human cells by breaking the chemical bonds inside the cells. Exposure to such radiation
results in infections prone to cancer and other health problems. Low radiation levels like the ones
encountered in daily life are considered to be harmless. For the side of non-ionization radiation, such as
ones emitted by wireless devices, can also cause negative effects on living organisms.
Curbing such effects, some measures can be put in place, such as the use of drugs, avoiding
unnecessary exposure, use of protective gear and decontaminating the areas affected.