How do gamma rays work?

How do gamma rays work?

Gamma-rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy of any other wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are generated by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosions. Gamma-rays can kill living cells, a fact which medicine uses to its advantage, using gamma-rays to kill cancerous cells.

Why are gamma rays useful?

Gamma rays kill microbes, and are used to sterilise food so that it will keep fresh for longer. This is known as “irradiated” food. Gamma rays are also used to sterilise medical equipment.

What are gamma rays dangers?

Gamma rays remove electrons from atoms. Because of this, they are a form of radiation known as ionizing radiation. Studies show that radiation can damage DNA, and this damage can lead to cancer.

How can you protect yourself against radiation?

Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.

1. Close windows and doors.
2. Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
3. Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

What is the effect of radiation on human body?

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Which part of the body is most sensitive to radiation?

blood forming organs

Why is radiation bad for your body?

Radiation damages the cells that make up the human body. Low levels of radiation are not dangerous, but medium levels can lead to sickness, headaches, vomiting and a fever. High levels can kill you by causing damage to your internal organs. It’s difficult to treat high radiation exposure.

How long does radiation treatment stay in your body?

For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy usually does not have an immediate effect, and it could take days, weeks or months to see any change in the cancer. The cancer cells may then keep dying for weeks or months after the end of treatment.

What are the side effects of too much radiation?

Symptoms of radiation sickness may include:

• Weakness, fatigue, fainting, confusion.
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, and rectum.
• Bruising, skin burns, open sores on the skin, sloughing of skin.
• Dehydration.
• Diarrhea, bloody stool.
• Fever.
• Hair loss.
• Inflammation of exposed areas (redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding)