2006-09-04 22:41:05 · 5 answers · asked by santu 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
It depends on several factors.
1) Dosage
2) Type of radioactivity emitted (Alpha, Beta or Gamma rays) Alpha have a reach of a few inches (1-2), Beta have a reach of several yards and gamma of several miles.
3) Decay times. Meaning the time it takes until only half of the matter is still in it's original state and half has decayed to lead.
4) Time of exposure to the radioactive material
5) Possible indigestion
Harmful they are all, but these factors play a role in how harmful they are to a creature.
2006-09-04 22:47:19 · answer #1 · answered by The answer man 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are they all cause cells to mutate.
Now some are easier to protect against than others. Ones that produces what are called alpha rays can be blocked by clothing or paper. Gamma rays however require a lead shielding. Also the amount and distance from the substance will determine how deadly the exposure is.
2006-09-04 22:48:43 · answer #2 · answered by N3WJL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any radioactivity is potentially damaging to living cells. This is defined by probability, so the more radiation the more likely damage will occur.
There are also different types of radiation that have different effects.
Also there can be benifiial effects from radiation, many "healing" spas are radioactive, medical use destroying cancer cells, X rays, plus global effects like stimulating evolution and influencing weather (solar radiation)
think of it like a kind of fire, to much/to close will destroy, but fire is essential to life.
2006-09-04 22:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by fred 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO SOME RADIOACTIVE ELEMENT LIKE THIRD ISOTOP OF CARBON
14
C
06
IS NOT HARMFUL
2006-09-04 22:48:01 · answer #4 · answered by The human 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would assume so... unless in tiny trace amounts.
2006-09-04 22:42:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋