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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Gamma Rays

851 Words4 Pages

Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that travels in waves. It has the smallest wavelength and is the strongest energy form of light; it can only be generated by extremely violent events, such as: Black holes and exploding stars with really strong magnetic fields ("GLAST: Gamma Rays Explained," n.d.). Since Gamma rays are so strong, they can travel through thicker materials allowing it to be used for many different things. Gamma rays can be used to treat cancerous cells without surgery, detect brain and heart problems, it can be used in industries to detect and kill harmful bacteria, and engineers can use it so find faults in pipes and other mechanical parts. Gamma rays can also be used to sterilize products and medical equipment ("Gamma Rays," 2016). Medical items that come into contact with sterile body tissues or fluids are considered ‘critical items’ and must be sterile before use. These items include: surgical instruments, biopsy forceps, and implanted medical devices ("Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities," 2009). It is very important that these items are cleaned correctly because if they happen to be contaminated while they are being used, the bacteria could be transmitted to the person the tools are being used on. If this were to happen, the patient’s condition could become fatal. In 2012, a ‘Superbug’ that can resist even ‘last defense’ antibiotics called Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was found to

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