Radiotoksiske

Radiotoksiske refers to substances that are toxic due to their radioactivity. These are materials that emit ionizing radiation and can cause harm to living organisms through radiation damage. The toxicity of a radiotoksiske substance depends on several factors, including the type and energy of the radiation emitted, the biological half-life of the radionuclide, and the amount of the substance ingested or inhaled.

The primary mechanism of harm from radiotoksiske materials is cellular damage. Ionizing radiation can break chemical bonds, disrupt DNA, and create free radicals, all of which can lead to cell death, mutations, or uncontrolled cell growth (cancer). The effects can range from acute radiation sickness at high doses to an increased risk of cancer over long periods at lower doses.

Radiotoksiske substances are often byproducts of nuclear processes, such as nuclear power generation or nuclear weapons production. They can also be found in some medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications, although these are carefully controlled. Managing and disposing of radiotoksiske waste is a significant challenge due to its potential long-term environmental and health hazards. Shielding, containment, and decay are common strategies employed to mitigate the risks associated with these materials. Exposure to radiotoksiske substances is typically measured in units of radioactivity (e.g., Becquerel or Curie) and absorbed dose (e.g., Gray or Rad).