Chemistry

 Radioactive material can be defined as any substance that consists of unstable radioactive particles that are able to emit radiation in the course of their decaying. Radioactive decay can be defined as the spontaneous loss of energy by a relatively unstable nucleus of an atom through the emission of ionizing atoms and radiation. In the process, an atom, usually referred to as the parent nuclide transforms to a different type of atom, commonly referred to as the daughter nuclide. Activity is measured in Becquerel (Bq). A single Bq. being equivalent to a single decay each second. Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that has enough energy to dislodge electrons which are components of the atom. Some of the most common ionizing radiation includes x rays, gamma rays, beta rays and alpha rays (Johnson, 1999).
    We are always exposed to radiation in our day to day lives. Each year, it is approximated that an individual citizen of the United States may be exposed to around 350 millirem of radiation. Millirem is a unit of measurement that is basically concerned with biological effects of the radiation we are exposed to. Such kinds of radiation are referred to as background radiation. Large quantities of ionizing radiation have been established to be very dangerous to living things and the environment, not excluding human (Guttman, 2000).
    Skin cancer has been linked to radioactive materials right from the beginning since scientists working on them showed signs of skin cancer after sometime. Leukemia has also been established to be a consequence of the radiation. Indeed many other cancers can be as a result of radiation. Some of these include lung, liver, colon, prostate, pancreatic, laryngeal, nasal, breast, ovarian, bladder, stomach, esophagus, and multiple myeloma cancers. Ionizing radiations are able to alter the body cells since they can break electronic bonds that are responsible for holding molecules together. Radiation is able to damage our genetic materials (DNA). This is achieved by the displacement of electrons from the genetic material or from cells that interact with the DNA. This can lead to the destruction, growth or mutation of the cell. This can only occur on exposure to large radiation doses. Extremely large doses can even result to death. Large doses can also suppress the immune system or lead to cataracts (Johnson, 1999).
    The radiation can be particularly harmful to the fetus. It can lead to lead to brain damage. The effects are able to affect generations of the affected individual. The radiations that are normally medically administered are always of low level and potentially less harmful. The body has mechanisms that can aid in adjusting from low level exposure. It is estimated that the optimum safe dosage of radiation is 10,000 millirem, beyond this value, there are bound to be harmful effects. Though, even lower dosage can be harmful depending on the body mechanism of the individual involved (Guttman, 2000).
    The nuclear accident at the Three Mile Island took place on the 28th March 1979. This incident involved a partial meltdown of the reactor number two at the nuclear plant. It was alleged that a minor error led to the rise in main coolant temperature. The reactor automatically shut down. There was a relief valve which was meant to shut down after ten seconds but it did not. The main coolant of the reactor drained away, leading to damage on the reactor core. Fuel rods leaked radioactive material in the water that was meant for cooling. A reaction started that was aided by the high temperature that led to the evolution of hydrogen gas bubbles. There was fear of explosion so the gas was let into the atmosphere. It took about a whole month for the reactor to be brought to cold shut down. Vulnerable members of the society like children and pregnant women were evacuated. No major incidence arose as a result of the accident but it led to adjustments in the nuclear industry. The dosage was not so large (Guttman, 2000).
    A disaster also took place in Chernobyl, which was part of the Soviet Union. It took place on 25th April 1986. It led to the death of an excess of thirty people. Workers were exposed to an excess of 80,000 millirem of radiation. Chernobyl had four types of reactors which were vulnerable to fast almost uncontrollable power increases. Tests were being carried out in reactor four. Only six rods were in place instead of the recommended thirty for the maintenance of control. Power dropped below the minimum required levels. This led to the rupturing of fuel rods. This led to explosions that damaged the reactor core. The health effects of the disaster cannot be quantified as it is thought that it will continue for some considerable duration of time. Several cases of thyroid cancer and leukemia have since been reported in the area (Johnson, 1999).