About the Discovery of Radioactivity

History of

• In 1896, Henri Becquerel discovered the radioactive properties of uranium accidentally when he left a random assortment of uranium and photographic plates on his desk. Other scientists were excited by the discovery and quickly took up the study of these materials. In 1899, Ernest Rutherford discovered alpha and beta radiation. Next came the discovery of gamma radiation. Marie and Pierre Curie are, perhaps, the most famous for their work with radiation.

Invented

• While no one can claim to have invented radioactivity, Marie and Pierre Curie are usually credited for the discovery of radiation, although several scientists before them enabled the Curies to make the discoveries they are famous for.

Significance

• Without the discovery of radioactivity, we would never have had a "nuclear age." The Curies' work with radioactivity has led to our most effective treatments for some types of cancer, and it was the first step toward creating nuclear power plants.

Benefits

• Many industries have benefited from the discovery of radioactivity. Radiation in the form of X-rays is used to diagnose medical issues and is used as a treatment for some types of cancers.

  Radioactivity has been used to sterilize food, which is particularly needed in Third World countrie,s where the risk of unrefrigerated food and disease outweigh the risks inherent in the radioactivity itself. Isotopes have been used to create several hardy hybrids of grains.

  Nuclear power plants generate 16 percent of the world's electricity. In the United States, 22 percent of our energy is nuclear. Radioactive isotopes are also used in oil drilling. Nuclear power is also used in space exploration.

Risk Factors

• Radioactivity is extremely dangerous. Long-term exposure to even low levels of radioactivity can result in many types of fatal cancer. Larger doses of radioactivity can result in radiation sickness. Radiation sickness can result in long-term mutations, sterilization and death. Some of the mutations created by radiation sickness can be passed to the offspring of the inflicted.

  While nuclear power plants are in and of themselves relatively clean sources of electricity, their by-products can range in radioactivity from mild to high. There is great controversy and debate over where to store used radioactivity from nuclear plants, and there is some concern that these waste products could be used to create weapons of mass destruction.