Answer :
Final answer:
Ionizing radiation is significant in human health due to its ability to damage cells, particularly those that multiply rapidly like cancer cells. It also contributes to environmental pollution. While it has medical uses, care must be taken due to its potential for cell and DNA damage, and the associated risk of cancer.
Explanation:
The special significance of ionizing radiation in human health and environmental pollution lies in its ability to ionize molecules, break chemical bonds and cause cellular damage. Ionizing radiation can generate reactive hydroxyl radicals that disrupt physiological processes and have effects on living organisms. It commonly results in somatic or genetic damage and is particularly harmful to cells that rapidly reproduce, such as cancer cells.
Furthermore, ionizing radiation has a detrimental effect on the environment by contributing to pollution. While it can be used in the medical field to locate, study, and eliminate diseased tissues, unchecked or excessive use can lead to harmful levels of radiation. The detrimental effects of ionizing radiation are amplified as its range is short, hence inhibiting the organism's ability to repair the concentrated damage.
Alongside their medical benefits, associate risks must be accounted for since ionizing radiation can cause cell death and DNA damage. Even a single photon of radiation can cause copious damage, potentially leading to cancer. Thus ionizing radiation has a dual role, it can both treat and cause cancer.
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