The cell might have damage that causes it to become cancerous.
EXPOSURE X CODE
The cell (if it is a reproductive cell like a sperm or egg cell) might have damage to the genetic code that doesn’t show up until future generations (your children, their children, etc.).The cell might have some minor damage that remains inactive until another agent interacts with the cell again.The cell might have some minor damage that is repaired.If a cell is damaged by radiation or another toxin: However, if the cells are in critical organs (ones that keep us alive) and a large number of the cells have been damaged or killed, that organ might not be able to function normally. If the cells are not very important to the operation of our body, it may not matter that they have been damaged or killed. These effects may or may not affect how we function on a day-to-day basis. However, if the damage can’t be repaired or is not repaired correctly, harmful effects may occur. If DNA is damaged from radiation or some other agent (like toxic particles in smog), it has the capability to repair minor damage. These changes can interfere with cellular processes so cells might not be able to divide or they might divide too much.Īlthough radiation has the potential to damage structures inside a cell, the structure of most concern is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA contains the genetic information that allows each cell to function, grow, and reproduce. Ionizing radiation can change the structure of the cells, sometimes creating potentially harmful effects that are more likely to cause changes in tissue. If we use radiation carelessly and high doses result, there are consequences. If we use radiation safely, there are benefits. To put it briefly, in every medicine there is a little poison. That is the same answer I would give you if you asked if taking aspirin was harmful .
However, a large dose of certain types of radiation could be harmful. Every day we live with radioactive materials around and inside our bodies as well as what is normally in our environment.