06. Will there be exposure to radiation? Are there any harmful effects? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

Jump to: navigation, search

Yes, there is exposure to radiation in space. Space radiation is different from x-radiation or the kind of radiation you find in nuclear power plants. Space radiation consists of sub-atomic particles (nuclei, protons, electrons, neutrons) traveling almost at the speed of light. Space radiation can cause sickness and death if you are exposed to very high levels over a short time and may also cause long term health effects like cataracts of the eyes and cancers.

Answer provided by Col. USAF Dr. Richard S. Williams


Image:K2S logosmall.jpg Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer


Buy This Book Click here

Retrieved from "http://www.thespacelibrary.com/mediawiki/index.php/06._Will_there_be_exposure_to_radiation%3F_Are_there_any_harmful_effects%3F_%28A_K2S_Question%29"