34. Hair Loss
The losing of hair quickly and in clumps occurs with
radiation exposure at 200 rems or higher.
Brain
Since brain cells do not reproduce, they won't be
damaged directly unless the exposure is 5,000 rems or
greater. Like the heart, radiation kills nerve cells and small
blood vessels, and can cause seizures and immediate
death.
Thyroid
The certain body parts are more specifically affected by
exposure to different types of radiation sources. The
thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. In
sufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or
part of the thyroid. By taking potassium iodide, one can
reduce the effects of exposure.
35. Blood System
When a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the blood's
lymphocyte cell count will be reduced, leaving the victim more
susceptible to infection. This is often refered to as mild radiation
sickness. Early symptoms of radiation sickness mimic those of flu
and may go unnoticed unless a blood count is done.According to
data from Hiroshima and Nagaski, show that symptoms may
persist for up to 10 years and may also have an increased long-
term risk for leukemia and lymphoma.
Heart
Intense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 rems
would do immediate damage to small blood vessels and
probably cause heart failure and death directly.
36. Reproductive Tract
Because reproductive tract cells divide rapidly, these areas of
the body can be damaged at rem levels as low as 200. Long-
term, some radiation sickness victims will become sterile.
Gastrointestinal Tract
Radiation damage to the intestinal tract lining will cause
nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This is occurs when the
victim's exposure is 200 rems or more. The radiation will begin to
destroy the cells in the body that divide rapidly. These including
blood, GI tract, reproductive and hair cells, and harms their DNA
and RNA of surviving cells.
37. Marine Life
The effects that radiation has on marine life can be
dangerous. High levels of UV or ultraviolet radiation can
cause a reduction in reproduction capabilities. It can also
disrupt the timing that plants flower, which can result in
changes in pollination patterns. According to NASA, it can
also reduce the amount of food and oxygen that plankton
produces. Plankton can respond to excessive amount of UV-
B or Ultraviolet-B light by sinking deeper into the water. This
decreases the amount of visible light required for
photosynthesis, which reduces growth and reproduction. An
increased amount of UV-B can also increase the amount of
ozone produced at the lower atmosphere. While some plants
can use this extra layer as a protective shield, other plants
are highly sensitive to photochemical smog.
38. Plant Growth
Natural radiation is often beneficial to plant growth. It
is necessary for many plants to receive some form of
non-ionizing radiation. Radiation that produces light
in order for photosynthesis to occur is a positive
effect that radiation has on plant life.
However, according to the Environmental Literacy
Council, ionized radiation that occurs from nuclear
material may result in weakening of seeds and
frequent mutations
55. 1) They can detect very minute amount of material.
2) You can label specific atoms (say carbon-1 glucose) to
follow where each one goes.
3) A radioactive molecule is chemically exactly like the
unlabeled form (this isn’t really 100% true but for what you
want it is close enough).Thus, it will behave just like the
unlabeled form so you have to worry about effects.
4) Since carbon, hydrogen and phosporous can be easily
purchased in radioactive forms, you can make just about
any biomolecule in a radioactive form.
57. 1)Radio isotopes are quite expensive.
2)Radio isotopes are rather hazardous
and must be handled with extreme
care. At the same time, they present a
disposal hazard.
3)Some radio isotopes have short half
lives, so you have to use them
quickly.
59. The truth is, we’re exposed to minute amounts of radiation every single
day from the radon in our houses, uranium deposits in the soil, radio
signals from every AM and FM station in range, airport full-body
scanners, dental X-rays and our cell phones.
Could a nuclear emergency happen here? While the government tells us
that it isn’t likely, it is possible. After all, there are more than 100 nuclear
reactors in the U.S.
And anyone who remembers Three Mile Island knows things can go
wrong.
If you live within striking distance of one of these nuclear reactors, you
may want to be prepared for a worse-case scenario.
But rather than rushing to your local drugstore for potassium iodide, there
are simple and affordable supplements you can keep stocked in your
kitchen or an emergency kit that are safe and effective in case of
potential exposure
