How toxic is Nuclear Radiation?
“The direct radiation effect is the one thing that is different about nuclear material, as compared to other toxins, which may be the source of some of the fear and mystique. All other toxins require ingestion or inhalation for harm to occur. Radioactive material is the only toxin that can strike from a distance. This is because chemical toxins need to be in the body to cause chemical changes that harm cells and biological processes, whereas radioactive material emits high energy particles that can travel over distances.” Says Nuclear engineer James Hopf. “However… direct radiation will never be a significant factor with respect to total public health impact. Instead, the effects would come from dispersal of radioisotopes onto the land, air, and water, and the subsequent ingestion or inhalation of those isotopes. In all cases, the concentrations of radioisotopes would be far too small for the soil, water, or air in question to cause a significant direct radiation dose to a nearby per