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Discussion – Radioactive Emissions

Discussion – Radioactive Emissions

Radioactive materials are hazardous materials that have adverse effects on human beings and the environment (Wright, 2014). Radioactive materials emit alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation as they decay. Also, since radioactive materials decay naturally, their emissions cannot be controlled, harming the immediate environment and human beings. Radioactive materials are disposed of through the land disposal method. This type of disposal allows the radioactive materials to react with naturally occurring compounds that reduce their hazardous properties and effects, even though people can still come into contact with the emissions.

Alpha particles, an example of radioactive emissions, travel over short distances and are not absorbed through thick materials. Their inability to penetrate through thick materials explains why they do not penetrate through the skin, but they cause adverse effects to cells and the body when consumed.

Beta particles travel a longer distance than alpha particles and penetrate through materials of up to two-centimetre thickness. They are very harmful to the human body when consumed as they would damage cells and the body in general. Gamma rays travel at the speed of light and have the most significant penetration power.

Radioactive materials decay at a prolonged rate, promoting the chances of human exposure (Wright, 2014). Radioactive emissions produced as the material decays, such as gamma rays, travel through the air. Their property that allows for traveling through air raises the degree of exposure to human beings. Individuals passing through the wasteland where they are disposed of will be exposed, and health problems will arise because these emissions are damaging to the body.

Exposure through leaks, accidents, and the misguided use of hazardous materials has increased the number of people affected. Also, laws have been set up to reduce and regulate exposure rates (Wright, 2014).

In conclusion, radioactive material emissions are very harmful to the human body, and reducing human beings’ exposure to them will reduce healthcare-related ailments.

References

Wright, R., 2014. Environmental systems, issues, and sustainability. 12th ed. Pearson Education International Ltd.

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Question 


Discussion - Radioactive Emissions

Discussion – Radioactive Emissions

What are radioactive emissions, and how are most humans exposed to them?

Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future
12th Edition, 2014
ISBN-13: 9780321811530
Richard T. Wright, Dorothy Boorse
Publisher: Pearson