Radioactivity: Pros and Cons Science & Society

1.

Radioactivity: Pros and Cons
Science & Society

2.

Introduction
• • Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles from
unstable nuclei.
• • Discovered by Henri Becquerel and studied by Marie Curie.
• • Radiation exists naturally in our environment.

3.

Pros of Radioactivity (Part 1)
• • Medical uses: cancer treatment (radiotherapy), X-rays, PET
scans.
• • Energy production: nuclear power plants provide large
amounts of energy.

4.

Pros of Radioactivity (Part 2)
• • Industrial uses: checking welds, sterilizing equipment, food
preservation.
• • Scientific research: dating fossils, studying space and
materials.

5.

Cons of Radioactivity (Part 1)
• • Health risks: radiation sickness, DNA damage, cancer.
• • Accidents: Chernobyl (1986), Fukushima (2011).

6.

Cons of Radioactivity (Part 2)
• • Nuclear waste: difficult and dangerous to store safely.
• • Nuclear weapons: threat to global security and peace.

7.

Conclusion
• • Radioactivity has both great benefits and serious risks.
• • It powers medicine, industry, and research.
• • But it also poses dangers to health, environment, and
security.
• • Safe and responsible use is essential.