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Re: Radiation



David Abineri asked


> A student asked me what the cumulative biological effects of x
radiation
> are. In other words, when exposed isn't either damage done or not
done?
> What is it that accumulates should one be exposed again and again?

Hi:

I have read (but have forgotten the details) that some cells require
two distinct mutations to turn cancerous. One zap of radiation may cause one
mutation and the second zap the second mutation.

Ed Schweber
Physics Teacher
Solomon Schechter Day School
West Orange, NJ
http://www.physicsweb.com