What are the positive and negative effects of radioactivity in today's society? Some elements are radioactive, some occur naturally like uranium, and others are artificially produced in a laboratory. When atoms of an element decay they release radiation, this process is known as radioactivity. The remains of the broken atoms become smaller atoms of a different element. Radiation occurs when radioactive elements break down. Radiation is very dangerous because it harms living beings. There are three types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays. They are the first three letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha (a), beta (β) and gamma (ϒ). These particles and rays are produced by radioactive elements. Alpha particles are composed of 2 protons and two neutrons that have separated from the nucleus, they are positively charged. Beta particles usually consist of one electron and one neutron and have a negative charge. Gamma rays are a different type of radiation. They are made up of a stream of tiny particles called photons. Photons include the same particles that make up light rays and are packets of energy. Gamma rays are very dangerous because they carry much more energy than light can see but are still invisible. Radioactive elements also release X-rays, they are similar to gamma rays but contain less energy. The purpose of this essay is to explain the positive and negative effects of radioactivity in today's society. Main body Radioactivity is used in many ways today. Some of these ways include nuclear power plants, X-rays, sterilization of medical instruments and foods, and some isotopes are used in cancer treatment. Nuclear power plants run on nuclear fuel. Nuclear fuel is commonly… middle of the paper… therapy in the course of treatment. Radiotherapy provides only one major positive ethical effect. This effect means that radiotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence and distant changes. However, radiotherapy provides multiple negative ethical effects. Radiotherapy increases the risk of observation problems. Delaying surgery can cause anxiety in some patients. Conclusion In conclusion, radioactive substances are used in many ways today. These methods include the production of electricity, the sterilization of objects and in the treatment of some tumors. I believe that radioactive substances should not be used, even considering the help they give us. The risks arising from the use of radioactivity outweigh the benefits they offer us. For example, nuclear power plants cause catastrophic health risks for miners. These risks are as serious as death due to exposure to radioactivity.