Question

Mention some harmful effects of radioactive radiations on humans. (3 marks)

Answer 1

Harmful effects of radioactive radiation are as follows:
- Exposure to radiation induces harmful genetic effects.(0.5 mark)
- Exposure to strong $\alpha$-particles can cause long term irrecoverable effects like leukaemia and other kinds of fatal cancer. (1 mark)
- It can also cause diarrhoea, sore throat, and loss of hair which are short-term and recoverable effects. (1 mark)
- Exposure to neutrons, protons and $\alpha$-particles can damage red blood cells and platelets. (0.5 mark)