Radioactive pollution is known to have a wide spectrum of negative effects on human beings and the environment. The negative impact that radioactive pollution can have on the ecosystem and on human health has been touched upon in this article.
Effects of Radioactive pollution
Genetic Mutations as a Result of Exposure to Radioactive Waste
When speaking of genetics, radiation is known to pose a wide spectrum of detrimental consequences. Radioactive pollution causes damage to DNA strands, which (over moderately long durations of time) can lead to some forms of genetic breakup. Based on the amount of radiation that the organism has been exposed to and the type of the radiation, the extent of the genetic mutation, which can lead to changes in the DNA composition, is known to vary.
In the case that a person or some other organism is exposed to a large amount of atmospheric radiation, the radiation will be absorbed by their bodies. This radiation will stay active once it is inside the body because energy can’t be destroyed. The resulting genetic mutation will make the person or the organism highly susceptible to different forms of cancer. Another important effect of radioactive pollution on organisms is infertility.
Development of Diseases due to Radioactive Pollution Exposure
The most common disease that arises in people that have been exposed to radioactive pollution is cancer. Other dangerous diseases that might be brought on by exposure to radioactive waste include anaemia, leukaemia, haemorrhages, and cardiovascular diseases.
Soil Infertility due to the Improper Disposal of Radioactive Waste
Improper disposal of radioactive waste can severely contaminate the soil and result in soil pollution. The radioactive matter present in this type of waste may mix with the components of the soil, rendering it highly toxic and infertile. Furthermore, any plants grown in such soils may absorb the radiation present in the soil and accumulate it within the bodies. This radiation may make its way up the food chain when herbivores consume these plants and carnivores consume those herbivores.
Radioactive Pollution and Cell Damage
Radioactive contamination has numerous consequences when it comes to cell modification. The bodies of living organisms are unique in the sense that there are millions of cells in each body, and each cell has a specific function to serve.
Radioactive pollution is known to distort these present cells, resulting in irreversible destruction to the various tissues and organs. Permanent diseases and death are not uncommon in cases where exposure to radiation is very high.
Thus, radioactive pollution poses a very serious threat to human life and also towards the ecosystem as a whole. This is the reason why radioactive waste must be disposed of properly. To learn more about the negative impact that radioactive waste can have on human health and other related concepts in environmental chemistry, register with BYJU’S and download the mobile application on your smartphone.
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