Question

Describe the effects of radioactive pollution on biological system.

Answer 1

Effects on living organisms include:

1. Somatic effects: These affect the body cells and tissues of the exposed individual during their lifetime. They include:
   • Skin damage, reddening, and ulcerations
   • Eye cataracts and corneal inflammation (e.g., snow-blindness)
   • Damage to internal organs such as liver, spleen, and thyroid
   • Reduced fertility and possible sterility
   • Loss of hair, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
   • Radiation sickness symptoms like anaemia and fatigue
   • Increased risk of cancers such as leukemia, bone cancer, lung cancer, and tumors in salivary and thyroid glands
   • Damage to blood cells due to effects on bone marrow
   • Potentially lethal effects depending on dose, including death after high exposures
   • Delayed effects such as cataracts, leukemia, sterility, decreased life span, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths
2. Genetic effects: Ionizing radiations cause mutations and chromosomal aberrations in dividing cells, affecting future generations through abnormal births and hereditary mutations.
3. Pathways of contamination:
   • Direct exposure via radioactive particles in the air or radioactive gases
   • Indirect exposure through the food chain after contamination of soil and water