Applications and Use of Radiation

1. Applications and Use of Radiation

2. Nuclear Power Plants • Produce 20% of the electricity in the U.S. • Controlled nuclear fission produces heat which changes water into steam which spins a turbine which generates electricity Pros:Cons: Cleaner possible meltdown Cheaper nuclear waste disposal No greenhouse gases Fuel (U-235) produced in the U.S.

3. Nuclear Power Plants • Produce 20% of the electricity in the U.S. • Controlled nuclear fission produces heat which changes water into steam which spins a turbine which generates electricity Pros:Cons: Cleaner possible meltdown Cheaper nuclear waste disposal No greenhouse gases Fuel (U-235) produced in the U.S.

4. Radioactive Tracers • Radioactive substances are injected, swallowed or inhaled and travel to specific areas of the body • Radioactive substances give off an image of the organ which can be studied Pros:Cons: Medical diagnosis danger of radiation poisoning

5. Radioactive Tracers • Radioactive substances are injected, swallowed or inhaled and travel to specific areas of the body • Radioactive substances give off an image of the organ which can be studied Pros:Cons: Medical diagnosis danger of radiation poisoning

6. Radiation Therapy for Cancer • Treatment for 50% of cancer patients • Targeted radiation shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells using x-rays and gamma rays Pros:Cons: Effective cancer All cancer cells may not be treatment destroyed Healthy cells are also destroyed Side effects!

7. Radiation Therapy for Cancer • Treatment for 50% of cancer patients • Targeted radiation shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells using x-rays and gamma rays Pros:Cons: Effective cancer All cancer cells may not be treatment destroyed Healthy cells are also destroyed Side effects!

8. Food Irradiation • Food is exposed to radiation (Gamma Rays) to kill bacteria, viruses and insects Pros:Cons: Reduces food spoilage workers may be exposed Reduces food-born to radiation illnesses public fear of radiation left in food

9. Food Irradiation • Food is exposed to radiation (Gamma Rays) to kill bacteria, viruses and insects Pros:Cons: Reduces food spoilage workers may be exposed Reduces food-born to radiation illnesses public fear of radiation left in food

10. Radon Exposure • Rn is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas emitted when uranium in soil and rock decays • Rn enters through cracks in houses and accumulates in basements • Rn emits alpha particles that become trapped in the lungs and cause lung cancer • Southeastern PA has high concentrations of Rn

11. Radon Exposure • Rn is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas emitted when uranium in soil and rock decays • Rn enters through cracks in houses and accumulates in basements • Rn emits alpha particles that become trapped in the lungs and cause lung cancer • Southeastern PA has high concentrations of Rn

12. Radioactive Waste Disposal • Radioactive waste is produced from nuclear power plants, food irradiation, and medical use • Rad. Waste can take 1000’s of years to completely decay • Radioactivity is dangerous • Currently, it is stored in drums and underground. Some is recycled

13. Radioactive Waste Disposal • Radioactive waste is produced form nuclear power plants, food irradiation, and medical use • Rad. Waste can take 1000’s of years to completely decay • Radioactivity is dangerous • Currently, it is stored in drums and underground. Some is recycled

14. Fukushima Nuclear Disaster • Earthquake and Tsunami overwhelmed the safety systems in a Japanese nuclear power plant • Extensive radiation leakage into air, water and land • Long term clean-up problems will take decades to solve