Question

Which of the following are the harmful effects of radiation?

• A. Genetic defects
• B. Cancers like leukaemia
• C. Diarrhoea and sore throat
• D. Increased lifespan

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A Genetic defects
B Cancers like leukaemia
C Diarrhoea and sore throat

Harmful effects of radioactive radiation are as follows:

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

However, radioactivity cannot increase the lifespan of a living being, instead, it deteriorates it.