Resources for Entertainment Education Content Developers What's
the Problem? Radiation, a form of energy, is all around us,
produced by the earth and even by our own bodies. It exists in
both natural and man-made forms and has many beneficial uses,
including x-rays and the generation of electrical power.
However, exposure to high levels of radiation may be harmful to
both humans and the environment. Exposure to radiation can cause
cancer as well as other adverse health effects, including (in
extreme cases) acute radiation syndrome or mental retardation in
children who were exposed in the womb. Who's at Risk? Anyone
exposed to large doses of radiation or to smaller doses over an
extended period of time is at risk. Exposure to extremely large
doses of external radiation may cause death within a few days or
months. External exposure to lower doses of radiation and
internal exposure from breathing or eating radioactive
contaminated material may lead to an increased risk of
developing cancer. Because children are