Why is radiation harmful to living organisms?

Radiation is harmful to living organisms because it can damage cells, potentially causing mutations and leading to cancer.

Radiation refers to the energy that travels through space in the form of waves or particles. This energy can be categorised into two types: non-ionising radiation (like radio waves and microwaves) and ionising radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays). It's the ionising radiation that poses a significant threat to living organisms.

Ionising radiation has enough energy to knock electrons off atoms, creating ions. When this happens inside the body, it can damage cells. The DNA within these cells can be altered, leading to mutations. These mutations can disrupt normal cell functions, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably, which is essentially the development of cancer.

Moreover, if the radiation dose is high enough, it can kill cells outright, leading to radiation sickness. Symptoms of radiation sickness include nausea, weakness, hair loss, skin burns, and reduced organ function. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

The harm caused by radiation is not just limited to the individual exposed. If the DNA in reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) is damaged, it can lead to mutations in future generations. This is why radiation is also a concern for environmental health, as it can affect entire populations of organisms and disrupt ecosystems.

It's important to note that not all exposure to radiation leads to harm. The body is capable of repairing certain levels of cell damage. However, the risk increases with the amount and duration of exposure, as well as the rate at which the exposure occurs.

In conclusion, radiation is harmful to living organisms because it has the potential to damage cells and DNA, leading to health problems like cancer and radiation sickness. It's a risk that needs to be carefully managed, particularly in environments where exposure to ionising radiation is likely.