Are free radicals harmful?

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I’ve read that they are and aren’t depending on the context. [It’s been shown](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/) that EM radiation from normal, every day use electronics can interfere with our bodies. [Apparently](https://www.popsci.com/what-are-antioxidants-good-bad-enough-too-much/), it’s not entirely obvious that free radicals are dangerous? Can someone break it down for me?

In: Biology

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that—like sulfuric acid—can be very destructive if not carefully controlled. In the body, free radicals like nitric oxide are very carefully regulated (both release and disposal), just like carefully controlled sulfuric acid can make amazing sculptures and etchings and produce awesome chemicals. Free radicals, like sulfuric acid, can be super tools in the right place. their reactivity and rapid signaling make them the preferred choice for many quick reactions. in short: radicals that are controlled within the body are excellent, but radicals that are unregulated (including radicals introduced by the outside and from radiation) are as desirable as someone tossing sulfuric acid on your dinner… no bueno. (n.b., i am comparing free radicals to sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid is NOT a free radical)

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