9

NOT

Science
Technology &
Advance
Engineering Chemistry
Quarter 4 - Module 1
Program

Marites Ellana-Pascual
Author
Science Technology and Engineering Program
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 - Module 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Radiation
First Edition, 2020

An Initiative of Cagayan National High School-Science Department

Borrowed materials included in this module are owned by their respective

copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek
permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners.
The institution and the author do not represent nor claim ownership over
them.

Author: Marites E.Pascual

Science Department Head: Eduardo C. Dela Rosa

School Principal: Elpidio D. Mabasa

EPS-Science: Myrna Q. Adduru, PhD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Marites L. Llanes,PhD

Schools Division Superintendent: Reynante Z. Caliguiran, PhD

Printed in the Philippines by:

Department of Education –SDO Tuguegarao City, Cagayan National High School

Office Address: Bagay Road, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City, 3500
Telephone Nos: (078) 844-1232; (078) 844-7768
E-mail Addressess: Institution: cnhs.tuguegarao@deped.gov.ph
Author: marites.pascual001@deped.gov.ph
 What I Need t o Know

Do you know that every day we are exposed to radiation? Radiation interacts with
living organisms and can damage the cells which may eventually lead to the production of
mutant cells or the death of cells. We live in a radioactive environment. And life has adapted
itself to this natural phenomenon. This module was designed to unravel the risk and benefits
related to radiation.

After going this through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain the different advantages and disadvantages of radiation.

 What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. Which of the following can reduce your exposure to radiation?
A. Meditating, focus and breathe
B. Increasing your distance from the source
C. Decreasing the amount of time near the source
D. Provide shielding between yourself and the source
2. Which of the following is the largest man-made source of background radiation?
A. Smoke detectors B. Televisions
C. Nuclear fall out D. Medical uses
3. Which of the following is the earliest indications of radiation damage may be detected?
A. Bone cells B. Blood cells C. Nerve cells D. Skin cells
4. People may be exposed to an increased radiation dose in certain situations, for example,
when receiving a medical radiation treatment or doing a radiological emergency. Which
of the following is NOT used to help limit radiation exposure?
I. Time II. Distance III. Shield
A. I and II B. I and III C. II and III D. I, II, III
5. Which of the following is NOT a source of background radiation that came from human
activities?
A. Cosmic rays B. Nuclear fall out C. Nuclear medicine D. X-rays
6. Which of the following refers to the radiation present in the environment?
A. Background radiation B. Ionizing radiation
C. Non-ionizing radiation D. Radiation therapy
7. Radiation has become a crucial part of medical treatment, a therapeutic radiation is used to
kill diseased tissue. Which type of therapeutic radiation is used for the treatment of cancer
that involves the use of gamma rays from cobalt-60 sources?
A. Diagnostic radiation B. External radiation
C. Internal radiation D. Positron tomography radiation
8. A patient is undergoing cobalt treatment where a radiation beam is focused on the tumor
through a small opening. What will be the effects of radiation to the patient’s human body?
I. Dizziness II. Fatigue III. Loss of hair IV. Nausea
A. I and II B. II and III C. III and IV D. I,II,III,IV
9. Cosmic rays is a form of short wavelength electromagnetic radiation and comes from outer
space. Which of the following is TRUE about cosmic rays?
A. People living at high and low altitudes does NOT receive cosmic radiation.
B.People living at high and lower altitudes receive equal amount of cosmic radiation.
C. People living in lower altitude areas receive less cosmic radiation than people
living at sea level.
D. People living in high altitude areas receive more cosmic radiation than people
living at sea level.
10. Why people exposed to radiation have high risk of acquiring leukemia?
I. Some cells are more radio sensitive than other cells.
II. Blood -forming organs are radio sensitive.
III. Young cells are more radio sensitive than mature cells.
IV. Actively reproducing cells are more affected by radiation than inactive cells.
A. I and II B. II and III C. III and IV D. I, II, III, IV
 Lesson 1 Advant ages and Di sadvant ages of Radi ati on

Recalling the experience from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,
likewise the Nuclear Power accidents in Three Mile Island and Chernobyl had furnished data
as to the probable effects of large-short term doses of radiation to the body. In this lesson,
you are going to have an in-depth learning on the advantages and disadvantages of radiation
in the field of medicine, industry, agriculture, and navigation.

What ’s In

Radiation in the environment is called background radiation. It may come from

natural processes and human activities. The average exposure to background radiation is 300
millirems per year (mrem/y) at sea level. Radiation exposure is slightly higher at higher
elevation.
What are the Sources of Background Radiation?
The largest contribution comes from natural sources that include:

1. Radon Gas. It is the major source of natural radiation. It contributes nearly two-thirds of
our natural background radiation exposure. It is an inert gas which is tasteless and
odorless. That is why it is undetected unless detectors are used. It escapes from rocks
and soil and enters the surrounding through air and water. It can penetrate through
basement at home. It is deposited in the respiratory track and increases the risk of
cancer when inhaled.
2. Cosmic rays. A form of short wavelength electromagnetic radiation and comes from outer
space. Differences in elevation, atmospheric conditions, and the Earth’s magnetic
field can change the amount or dose of cosmic radiation that we receive.
3. Terrestrial radiation. It comes from rocks and soil particularly carbon-14, potassium-40,
thorium-223 and uranium-238.It enters the body through ingestion and inhalation
when present in food, air, and water. The dose from terrestrial sources varies in
different parts of the world, but locations with high soil concentrations of Uranium
and thorium have higher doses.

Internal Radiation
All people have internal radiation, mainly from radioactive potassium-40 and carbon-
14 inside their bodies from birth and, therefore, are sources of exposure to others. The
variation in dose from one person to another is not as great as that associated with cosmic and
terrestrial sources.

Background radiation from Man-made Sources

In general, the following man-made sources expose the public to radiation (the
significant radioactive isotopes are indicated in parentheses):
 Medical sources (by far, the most significant man-made source)
o Diagnostic x-rays
o Nuclear medicine procedures (iodine-131, cesium-137, and others)
 Consumer products
 Building and road construction materials
 Combustible fuels, including gas and coal
 X-ray security systems
 Nuclear fall outs
 Televisions
 Fluorescent lamp starters
 Smoke detectors (americium)
 Luminous watches (tritium)
 Lantern mantles (thorium)
 Tobacco (polonium-210)
 Ophthalmic glass used in eyeglasses
 Some ceramics

The Primer of Radiation (http:// tech.tecmit.Ecu/Bulletin/Radiation/rads.txt) identifies

permissible levels of radiation exposure in addition to background radiation and medical
radiation ( See Table 1)
Table 1. Permissible Levels of Radiation Exposure
Permissible Levels (by Federal Standards)
Accumulated/Year Single Dose
(mrems)
(mrems)
Adult 5 000 3000
Minor 500 300
Fetus 500 before birth or no more than 50 per month

Humans get the following millirems such as:

+2 annual exposure due to watching four hours of television/day
+2 one chest x-ray
+ 20 000 therapeutic radioactive iodine treatment of thyroid gland

Destructive effects from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the
Nuclear Power accidents in Three Mile Island and Chernobyl Power Plant:
• instant death
• Coma and death within hours
• Fatigue, nausea, reduction in white blood cells and platelets
• Damage to cardiovascular system, intestinal tract and brain, death within weeks
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea, susceptible to infection due to low white blood cells, hair loss,
hemorrhaging due to impaired clotting mechanism, 50 % died within months

What ’s New

Radiation is part of our daily life-it has existed all along. Two main types of radiation:
non-ionizing and ionizing that forms the electromagnetic spectrum. We are routinely exposed
to naturally occurring (background) radiation that comes from outer space, the sun, the
ground, and even from within our own bodies, as well as man-made sources of ionizing and
non-ionizing radiation.

https://www.google.com/search?q=non+ionizing+vs+ionizing+radiation&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwja
qbrrmdfwAhWULqYKHT5KAOcQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1366&bih=600

Non-Ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation includes both low frequency radiation and moderately high
frequency radiation. Non-ionizing radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible
light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency
(ELF). Non-ionizing radiation is found in a wide range of occupational settings and can pose
a considerable health risk to potentially exposed workers if not properly controlled.
We use:
• Microwave radiation for telecommunications and heating food.
• Infrared radiation for infrared lamps to keep food warm in restaurants.
• Radio waves for radio broadcasting.
High frequency sources of non-ionizing and ionizing radiation (such as the sun and
ultraviolet radiation) can cause burns and tissue damage with overexposure.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation includes higher frequency ultraviolet radiation, x-rays and gamma
rays. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to break chemical bonds in molecules or remove
tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged molecules or atoms (ions). People are
exposed to natural sources of ionizing radiation, such as in soil, water, and vegetation, as well
as in human-made sources, such as x-rays and medical devices. As the use of ionizing
radiation increases, so does the potential for health hazards if not properly used or
contained.The amount of damage depends on the type of radiation, the exposure pathway, the
radiation’s energy, and the total amount of radiation absorbed. Because damage is at the
cellular level, the effect from small or even moderate exposure may not be noticeable. Most
cellular damage is repaired.
However, some cells may not recover as well as others and could become damaged or
cancerous.Low doses of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of longer term effects such as
cancer.Radiation also can kill cells.

What is It

Many uses of radiation help to ensure the high quality and safety of our daily
lives. Today, to benefit humankind, radiation is used in medicine, environment, food
technology, agriculture and industry, as well as for generating electricity. In addition,
radiation has useful applications in such areas as agriculture, archaeology (carbon dating),
space exploration, law enforcement, geology (including mining), and many others.

Medical Uses
There are many uses of radiation in medicine. The most well-known is
using x rays to see whether bones are broken. X-rays and other forms of radiation also
have a variety of therapeutic uses. When used in this way, they are most often intended to kill
cancerous tissue, reduce the size of a tumor, or reduce pain. For example, radioactive iodine
(specifically iodine-131) is frequently used to treat thyroid cancer. The localized iodine-131
produces radiation that destroys only the surrounding diseased tissue.-ray machines have also
been connected to computers in machines called computerized axial tomography (CAT) or
computed tomography (CT) scanners. These instruments provide doctors with color images
that show the shapes and details of internal organs. This helps physicians locate and identify
tumors, size anomalies, or other physiological or functional organ problems.
 In addition, X-ray machines have also been connected to computers in machines
called computerized axial tomography (CAT) or computed tomography (CT) scanners. These
instruments provide doctors with color images that show the shapes and details of internal
organs. This helps physicians locate and identify tumors, size anomalies, or other
physiological or functional organ problems.

Industry

Industry, radioactive elements are used to detect flaws, control quality, and measure
the thickness and volume of materials. Chemists and engineers use radioactive substances to
study movement in metal plating, detergent action, corrosion processes, fluid levels in oil and
chemical tanks, and the moisture and density of soils and material at construction sites.

Agriculture

The agricultural industry makes use of radiation to improve food production and
packaging. Plant seeds, for example, have been exposed to radiation to bring about new and
better types of plants. Besides making plants stronger, radiation can be used to control insect
populations, thereby decreasing the use of dangerous pesticides. In farming, seeds exposed to
radiation can germinate and grow into plants with unusual and often improved characteristics.

Environment

Environmental radiation exists in our environment from naturally occurring and man-
made radiation sources. Often, environmental radiation is termed "background radiation." On
average, Iowans receive an annual radiation dose of 300 millirem from natural radiation
sources and 60 millirem from manmade radiation sources. Radiation technology may
contribute to the environmental protection to a great extent. Nuclear techniques has recently
been used to control environmental pollution. Ionizing radiation provide a fast and reliable
means of sewage water and sludge treatment than the conventional methods. Gamma
radiation (60Co) and electron beam (accelerator) has been successfully used for alleviation of
environmental pollution.
In addition, the application of radiation chemistry and radiation technology is of great
importance for environmental conservation. Some aspects of radiation treatment of natural
water, radiation purification of aqueous wastes, radiation treatment of sewage sludge and
radiation purification of exhaust gases has been used worldwide.

What ’s More

Did you know?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts eat meat that has
been sterilized by irradiation to avoid getting foodborne illnesses when they fly in space.
Food Technology

Food irradiation (the application of ionizing radiation to food) is a technology that

improves the safety and extends the shelf life of foods by reducing or eliminating
microorganisms and insects. Like pasteurizing milk and canning fruits and vegetables,
irradiation can make food safer for the consumer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
is responsible for regulating the sources of radiation that are used to irradiate food. The FDA
approves a source of radiation for use on foods only after it has determined that irradiating
the food is safe.

Why Irradiate Food?

Irradiation can serve many purposes.

 Prevention of Foodborne Illness. To effectively eliminate organisms that cause
foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
 Preservation. To destroy or inactivate organisms that cause spoilage and
decomposition and extend the shelf life of foods.
 Control of Insects. Irradiation also decreases the need for other pest-control practices
that may harm the fruit.
 Delay of Sprouting and Ripening. To inhibit sprouting (e.g., potatoes) and delay
ripening of fruit to increase longevity.
 Sterilization. Irradiation can be used to sterilize foods, which can then be stored for
years without refrigeration. Sterilized foods are useful in hospitals for patients with
severely impaired immune systems, such as patients with AIDS or undergoing
chemotherapy.

Space Explorations

Understanding the dynamics of the space radiation environment and associated effects
is critically important for satellites design and operation in ionospheric plasma environment
in which satellites are designed to function.

Archaeologists also use radioactive substances to determine the ages of fossils and
other objects through a process called carbon dating.Cosmic radiation is the main source of
carbon-14, which is used to date ancient artifacts. This technique is called carbon dating.In
the upper levels of our atmosphere, cosmic rays strike nitrogen atoms and form a naturally
radioactive isotope called carbon-14. Carbon is found in all living things, and a small
percentage of this is carbon-14. When a plant or animal dies, it no longer takes in new carbon
and the carbon-14 that it accumulated throughout its life begins the process of radioactive
decay.
 What I Have Learned

Directions: Read the statements below about radiation. Mark “Fact” or “Fiction” for each
statement .

Fact Fiction Statements

1. If you are exposed to radiation you will develop cancer.
2. Detection of radiation is based on its ability to ionize matter or produce
flashes of light.
3. Most of the radiation that we are exposed to is man-made.
4.Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults.
5. When people are exposed to ionizing radiation from sources outside or
inside the body, the radiation may interact with molecules in cells in their
path.
6. Living near a nuclear power plant poses less risk of radiation
exposure than living in a home or area with high radon levels.
7.In terrestrial radiation, locations with higher soil concentrations of
uranium and thorium generally have lower doses.
8. You should keep track of the number of medical x-rays and scans
you have received.
9. Ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from
the material it crosses.
10. Exposing food to radiation makes it radioactive.
 What Can I Do

Directions. Below is some application of radiation. Do some research and answer the
following the questions.

1. Keeping public places, such as airports, safe is a big job. Why is it that airports make use
of ionizing radiation to scan passengers and luggage?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

2. Why is Ionizing Radiation More Dangerous than Non-Ionizing Radiation?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. How can people prevent or reduce their exposure to ionizing radiation?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
 Assessment

Directions. Choose the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. What percentage of radiation exposure comes from background radiation?
A. 80 % B. 50 % C. 20 % D. 5 %
2. To protect yourself from the internal radiation exposure, you should:
I. NOT eat and drink in the lab
II. NOT store empty cups/containers/utensils in the lab or near radioactive materials
III. NOT store food and/or drink in the lab
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I,II,III
3. What type of radiation does Phosphorous-32 release?
A. Alpha B. Beta C. Gamma D. X-ray
4. Which of the following ionizing radiations is harmful to humans?
A. Alpha rays B. Beta rays C. Gamma rays D. X-rays
5. If you get an X-ray done on any part of your body, are you contaminated with radioactive
material?
A. Yes B. No C. Partly Yes D. Partly No
6. In case of an accidental release of radiation material, can removing clothing limit
contamination?
A. Yes B. No C. Partly Yes D. Partly No
7. In the event of a radiation emergency, workers should take shelter in which part of
building?
A. Middle of the building
B. Roof of the building
C. Near the walls of the building
D. Side of the building
8. In order to protect yourself and your family from radiation, one must follow the
manufacture’s instructions for installation, testing and maintenance.Which of the following
might contain radioactive material?
A. Thermometer B. Smoke detectors C. Light bulbs D.All of the above
9. Why people exposed to radiation have high risk of acquiring leukemia?
V. Some cells are more radio sensitive than other cells.
VI. Blood -forming organs are radio sensitive.
VII. Actively reproducing cells are more affected by radiation than inactive cells.
VIII. Young cells are more radio sensitive than mature cells.
A.I and II B. II and III C. III and IV D. I, II, III, IV
10. Certain chemicals increase or decrease radiosensitivity. Which of the following is present
in automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, and charcoal-grilled meat that activate cells
rendering them more radiosensitive?
A. Tritium B. Benzypyrene C. Cobalt-60 D. Phosphorus-32
 Addit ional Act ivit ies

Superheroes Worksheet. Directions. Name the superhero described:

1. A high school student is bitten by a radioactive spider while visiting a science exhibit.
Afterward he gains spider-like powers including super-strength, the ability to climb walls
and throw webs, and phenomenal jumping skills.

2. Physicist develops a gamma ray bomb. While testing the bomb, he is exposed to the blast
as he saves a teenage boy driving into the test area. Afterward, he develops a split
personality and turns into a large, strong, green monster when angry.

3. After being exposed to radioactive sludge, four turtles — Michelangelo, Raphael,

Leonardo and Donatello — mutate into human-sized ninjas and fight criminals, aliens and
other evil characters.

4. A group of four individuals gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays during a
scientific space mission. Afterward, each individual develops a different power, including
the ability to stretch to incredible lengths and shapes, the ability to become invisible and
project powerful force fields, the ability to generate flames, and the gift of superhuman
strength and endurance.

5. This superhero is more powerful than a locomotive, can fly and has x-ray vision. His
weakness is kryptonite. Lead is the only substance that will block and save him from
kryptonite. It is also the one material he cannot penetrate with his x-ray vision.

Answer the following questions.

1. What do these superheroes have in common?

________________________________________________________________________

2. What thoughts or events do you think led to the development of these characters?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

(Source: https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/radtown/docs/radiation-exposure-
activities.pdf)
 Additional Activities
1.Spider-Man.
2. The Incredible Hulk
3. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
4. The Fantastic Four
5. Superman
Questions:
1. Their stories are based on fictional effects of radiation exposure
2. Answer may vary
Assessment What I Have learned What I Know
1. A 1. Fiction
2. D 1. B/C/D
2. Fact 2. D
3. B 3. Fiction
4. A/B/C/D 3. D
4. Fact 4. D
5. B 5. Fact
6. A 5. A
6. Fact 6. A
7. A 7. Fiction
8. B 7. B
8. Fact 8. D
9. D 9. Fiction 9. D
10. B 10. Fiction 10.D
Answer Key
References:

Book
Mendoza, Estrella E. & REligioso, Teresita F.2008. You and The Natural World
Chemistry.927 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.Phoenix Publishing House Inc.

Websites

https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/research/radiation/environmental-radiation.
Date Accessed: February 16, 2021

https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radtown-fact-sheets-about-radiation-topics-z.
Date Accessed: February 16, 2021

https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/uses-radiation.html
https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/nsrl/why-space-radiation-matter.
Date Accessed: February 22, 2021

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov.Date Accessed: February 27, 2021