Why does radiation destroy DNA and white blood cells?

Question

Why does radiation destroy DNA and white blood cells?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Ionizing radiation have enough speed and mass in its particle that when it hits any molecule it spontaneously causes a chemical reaction to take place. This can alter the DNA molecules which either destroys it or turns it into a more dangerous variant. It can also alter a lot of other types of molecules important for cells to work and can therefore kills cells directly. Note however that most forms of radiation is harmless and it is only the ionizing radiation that have enough destructive powers to do such damage.