Radiation
The problem of radiation’s influence on the human body and environment becomes more and more serious in the time of development of nuclear-power engineering. Radioactive pollution became an ecological problem of great importance for our country after the catastrophe on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. A considerable territory of Ukraine was polluted. The fatal consequences will last for years. Nuclear power plants, research reactors, entombments and the territories for the explosions for a peaceful purpose also threaten our health.
Every person on our planet is influenced by so-called natural radiation, which is formed of radiation of space and the earth's crust. This dose of radiation is not dangerous for our health. During life-time every one is exposed to low levels of radiation, for example while flights at high altitudes or medical examination by X-ray or in high mountains. This additional radiation is quite safe for our body. However, high doses of radiation may be lethal.
Radiation destroys cells of the body, damages tissues of organs and may lead to cancer and harmful genetic changes. The effect of radiation may show up some years later or even in the next generations.
Exercises for Unit 8
Ex. 1 Answer the questions:
1. Why is the problem of radiation important nowadays? __________________________________________________________
2. Why is this problem especially important for our country? __________________________________________________________
3. What is natural radiation? __________________________________________________________
4. What kind of radiation is not dangerous for our health? __________________________________________________________
5. How radiation does influence our health? __________________________________________________________
Ex. 2 Decide whether the statement is true or false (according to the text). Write “true” or “false” in the blank space:
1. The effect of radiation is long-lasting. _____
2. All the radiation on our planet is the result of human activities. _____
3. The problem of radiation pollution is not serious in our country. _____
4. Well-functioning nuclear power plants do not threaten our health. _____
Ответы
Ответ:
ex1
1. Why is the problem of radiation important nowadays?
- The radiation problem is important because of nuclear power plants, and if something goes wrong, it can hurt people and nature.
2. Why is this problem especially important for our country?
- This problem is important because of the accident at Chernobyl. A lot of radiation came out, and it made the land unsafe for people.
3. What is natural radiation?
- Natural radiation comes from space and the ground. It's usually safe for us in small amounts we get every day.
4. What kind of radiation is not dangerous for our health?
- Radiation from space and the ground is not dangerous for us in normal amounts.
5. How does radiation influence our health?
- Radiation can hurt our bodies by damaging cells and causing sickness like cancer. Sometimes, we might not feel it right away; it can happen later or affect our children.
ex 2
True
False (The text mentions natural radiation from space and the Earth's crust, which is not a result of human activities.)
False (The text describes radioactive pollution as a serious ecological problem, especially after the Chernobyl catastrophe.)
False (The text mentions that nuclear power plants, even well-functioning ones, can threaten health, along with other sources of radiation like research reactors and territories used for explosions for peaceful purposes.)