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RADIATION |
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If there is one subject that is likely to cause people to become nervous and worried, then that subject is radioactivity. Everyone has heard of Chernobyl and its consequences. Everyone knows about the possibilities of nuclear weapons, and indeed the effects of the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima are still being felt today. I am a scientist in the nuclear industry, and on these pages you can find my own views on these matters. |
The generation of electricity in nuclear power plants is here to stay, and in fact radioactivity is all around us - every single one of us is being bombarded with naturally occurring radiation, some of it in the ground, some if from outer space, and some of it even in our bodies. In fact, some experts feel that a little bit of radiation is good for us, rather like having a couple of glasses of red wine each day.
If you are curious about this phenomenon called radioactivity, then read on. There are several sections listed below about what is radiation, how does it affect us, etc. Why not start from the beginning and read the whole story, or, if you prefer, jump to the section that interests you.
The majority of this article is dedicated to "ionising radiation". Microwaves (e.g. from cell phones and ovens) are dealt with in the final two sections on "non-ionising radiation".
What are the effects of radiation?
How do we classify radiation effects?
Frequently asked questions about radiation and radioactivity