Ionising radiation and living cells

Radiation warning symbol

The radiations from radioactive materials – alphaalpha radiation: Radiation consisting of alpha particles, which are each made from two protons and two neutrons, and are identical to helium nuclei., betabeta radiation: Radiation consisting of beta particles, which are high-energy electrons emitted by unstable atomic nuclei. and gammagamma radiation: High frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay. Many centimetres of lead or metres of concrete are needed to absorb it. radiation – are all ionising radiations which can damage living cells.

This happens because ionising radiation can break molecules into bits called ions. These ions can then take part in other chemical reactions in the living cells.

This may result in the living cells dying, or becoming cancerous.