Radioactivity and its Biological Effects

Presented by: Lavanya Sengar, Pranshu Dobhal, Ankit Bhardwaj

(Branch: Information Technology)

Project Guide: Dr. Tanuja Nautiyal

Department of ChemistryNorthern India Engineering College

Radioactivity

Radioactivity refers to the particles which are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability. Because the nucleus experiences the intense conflict between the two strongest forces in nature, it should not be surprising that there are many nuclear isotopes which are unstable and emit some kind of radiation.

Radioactivity in India

Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in India after thermal and renewable resources of electricity. India has 21nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants having an installed capacity of 5780 MW[ and producing a total of 30,292.91 GWh of electricity while seven other reactors are under construction and are expected to generate an additional 6,100 MW.

Radioactivity in India

Nuclear Power Plants in India

Radioactive PollutionThe radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of air, water and the other radioactive materials. The ability of certain materials to emit the proton, gamma rays and electrons by their nuclei is known as the radioactivity. The protons are known as the alpha particle and the electrons are also known as the beta particle. Those materials are known as the radioactive elements. The environmental radiations can be from different sources and can be natural or manmade.

Effects of Radioactive Pollution

•Any amount of radiation may cause cancer, especially in sensitive individuals. Or, in other words, any exposure to radiation may cause some risk. Thus, it is always safer to minimize as much as possible the exposure to radiation!

•Cancer due to radiation exposure at lower doses usually develops years after the actual exposure

Effects of Radioactive Pollution

•While the risk of developing cancer increases with the dose of radiation, the risk may vary largely between individuals.

• Genetic birth defects and retardation are possible due to parent exposures. Also other health problems may develop affecting the neurological, reproductive or cardiac systems. 

Laws against Radioactive Pollution

1944 - Public Health Service Act 1946 - Atomic Energy Act 1963 - Clean Air Act 1972 - Marine Protection, Research, and

Sanctuaries Act; Federal Water Pollution Control Act

1974 - Safe Drinking Water Act 1976 - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Laws against Radioactive Pollution

1978 - Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act 1980 - Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act;

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

1982 - Nuclear Waste Policy Act 1987 - Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act 1988 - Indoor Radon Abatement Act 1992 - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal

Act; Energy Policy Act

Presented by: Lavanya Sengar, Pranshu Dobhal, Ankit Bhardwaj

(Branch: Information Technology)

Project Guide: Dr. Tanuja Nautiyal

Department of ChemistryNorthern India Engineering College