Risks of Radiation (GCSE Physics)

Risks of Radiation

Nuclear Radiation

Perceived Risks of Radiation

• Radiotherapy has lots of side effects. Patients sometimes experience negative side effects of radiotherapy. A common side effect is radiation sickness, where patients get ill due to the radiotherapy.
• Benefits can outweigh risks. Although radiation sickness can be seen as a negative risk of radiotherapy, there are often more benefits than risks with this method of treatment. Radiotherapy can kill cancer cells and remove tumours, which is a huge benefit to patients.
• Perceived risk depends on the patient. Although there are facts and figures to outline risks and benefits of treatment, ultimately only the patient can decide how ‘risky’ a treatment will be for them. Therefore, perceived risk comes down to each individual patient.

Disposing Nuclear Waste

Radioactive waste is extremely reactive, therefore it must be stored or disposed with caution.

Since the waste could have a long half-life, it must be stored for long periods of time. For example in containers, however it is important they do not degrade as leaks could occur.

They also need to be stored in safe locations, away from water (as this could cause contamination) and in areas where natural disasters, such as earthquakes, are less likely to occur.