Radioactive isotopes used in medicine can potentially contaminate the environment after their use, but the extent and risk depend on how they are handled, disposed of, and contained. Medical applications of radioactive isotopes include diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment, and sterilization…
People are told to flush the toilet twice after iodine-131 treatment because the radioactive iodine is excreted primarily through urine, and flushing twice helps reduce the risk of radiation exposure to others by more effectively removing radioactive waste from the…
Radiation from iodine-131 can indeed be detected with a Geiger counter, but the effectiveness and ease of detection depend on several factors related to the nature of iodine-131’s radiation and the characteristics of the Geiger counter itself. Iodine-131 is a…
Radiation therapy, while a powerful tool for treating cancer, can inadvertently affect healthy organs near the treatment area. The organs most at risk during radiation therapy depend largely on the location of the tumor being treated and the radiation dose…
Radioactive isotopes are sometimes used in liquid form because this physical state offers unique advantages for their application, especially in medicine, industry, and research. Liquids allow for easier handling, precise dosing, and efficient delivery of the radioactive material to specific…
Radiation therapy, a common and effective treatment for various cancers, uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. However, because the heart and lungs are often located near or within the radiation field—especially in cancers of…
Doctors continue to use radiation therapy despite its risks because it remains one of the most effective and versatile treatments for cancer, offering significant benefits that often outweigh the potential harms. Radiation therapy can precisely target and destroy cancer cells,…
It is indeed possible to develop cancer from exposure to CT scans over time, primarily due to the ionizing radiation these scans emit. CT (computed tomography) scans use X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body, and…
Radiation can cause burns to the skin because it damages the cells and tissues at a molecular level, disrupting their normal function and triggering inflammation. When skin is exposed to certain types of radiation—such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from the…
Radiation therapy and nuclear accidents both involve exposure to ionizing radiation, but they differ fundamentally in purpose, control, dose, and effects on the human body. **Radiation therapy** is a medical treatment designed to use controlled doses of ionizing radiation to…