Säteilyherkkyys

Säteilyherkkyys refers to the susceptibility of living organisms or materials to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. This sensitivity varies greatly depending on the type of organism, the specific tissue or cell type, the dose of radiation, and the rate at which the dose is delivered. Generally, rapidly dividing cells are more sensitive to radiation than slowly dividing or non-dividing cells. This is because radiation can damage DNA, and errors during the DNA replication process in rapidly dividing cells are more likely to lead to cell death or mutations.

Different types of radiation also have varying biological effects. For instance, alpha particles and neutrons are more biologically effective per unit of absorbed energy than gamma rays or X-rays. This is quantified by a quality factor. Factors influencing individual sensitivity include age, sex, and overall health. Children and fetuses are generally more sensitive than adults.

In medical contexts, understanding säteilyherkkyys is crucial for radiation therapy, where the goal is to target and kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Conversely, in radiation protection, measures are taken to reduce exposure to levels considered safe based on known sensitivity thresholds. Materials can also exhibit säteilyherkkyys; for example, certain plastics can degrade or change properties when exposed to high levels of radiation, which is important to consider in the design of spacecraft or nuclear facilities.