Question

Effects of gamma radiation on humans ?

Answer 1

Dear Student

Gamma rays are high energy (high frequency) electromagnetic radiation. They have high ionising power and hence they can pose a health hazard when absorbed by living tissue. They are produced by decay of high energy states in natural processes and man-made mechanisms. Gamma rays produce free radicals when they strike anything which contains electron. Free radicals easily damage DNA, and ionizing radiation may also directly damage DNA by ionizing or breaking DNA molecules.

These radiations cause mutations in humans, which often causes skin cancer. At high dose, these rays can be lethal.

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