Understanding Radioactivity: Types, Uses, and Health Risks

Main Types of Radioactivity

• Alpha (Αα): Particle, helium nucleus. Low penetrating power; causes some damage (can penetrate paper).
• Beta (Ββ): Particle, electrons. Medium penetrating power; causes great damage (can penetrate human tissue up to a few millimeters).
• Gamma (Γγ): High-energy light wave. High penetrating power; very dangerous, causes damage to cell nuclei.

Uses and Dangers of Radioactivity

Common Applications

• Smoke alarms: Americium-241
• Thickness control: Beta rays
• Sterilization: Gamma rays
• Radioactive dating: Carbon-14
• Radioactive tracers: Technetium-99
• Industrial testing: Checking welds with gamma sources
• Medical treatment: Radiotherapy for cancer

Health Hazards

The primary danger of radioactivity is cellular damage. Symptoms include:

• Hematopoietic: Anemia
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain
• Neurovascular: Dizziness, headache, decreased consciousness

Exposure Illness Levels

• Low: Fatigue, leukopenia
• Medium: Hemorrhage, infections
• Medium-high: Diarrhea, vomiting
• High: Nausea, severe diarrhea, vomiting
• Very high: Death

Radioactivity in Everyday Life

Many common items contain radioactive materials, including:

• Granite countertops
• Smoke detectors
• Luminous watch dials
• Glass
• Fertilizer
• Gas lantern mantles
• Medical X-rays
• Brazil nuts

Public Opinion and Radioactive Waste

What is an ATC?

An ATC (Almacén Temporal Centralizado) is a centralized installation, generally on the surface, designed to manage and store radioactive waste from nuclear reactions in a safe, temporary, and reversible manner.

Project Support and Opposition

• In Favor: CiU (4 councilors), PSC (1 councilor), and 2 independent councilors.
• Against: José Montilla, UICV, ERC, CiU (in specific contexts), and more than 65 municipalities and seven district councils in the area.