Are Gamma Rays Beneficial or Harmful to Humans?
Explore the dual nature of gamma rays: their medical benefits and potential health risks.
336 views
Gamma rays can be both beneficial and harmful. In medical treatments like radiation therapy, they target and destroy cancer cells. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can damage healthy tissues, increase cancer risk, and cause radiation sickness. Proper usage and protection are crucial to harness benefits while minimizing risks.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the benefits of gamma rays? Gamma rays are beneficial in medical applications like radiation therapy for cancer, effectively targeting and destroying cancerous cells.
- What risks do gamma rays pose to human health? Excessive exposure to gamma rays can lead to radiation sickness, increased cancer risk, and damage to healthy tissues.
- How is radiation therapy using gamma rays different from other cancer treatments? Radiation therapy specifically uses gamma rays to target tumors while sparing more surrounding healthy tissue, unlike some conventional chemotherapy.
- What safety measures are taken during radiation therapy? Safety measures include protecting healthy organs, using precise targeting techniques, and monitoring radiation doses to minimize risks.