Radiation vs. radioactivity. (Letters From Our Readers)."Glowing in the Dark" by Joni Praded (Your Health, May/ June 2002) is an excellent article, but it made one editorial error: confusing radiation with radioactivity radioactivity, spontaneous disintegration or decay of the nucleus of an atom by emission of particles, usually accompanied by electromagnetic radiation. The energy produced by radioactivity has important military and industrial applications. . Radiation is a combination of particles and light given off by radioactive materials radioactive material Radiation A substance that contains unstable–radioactive–atoms that give off radiation as they decay. See Radioactive decay. as they decay. The radioactive particles in your body are like little light bulbs that, instead of emitting e·mit tr.v. e·mit·ted, e·mit·ting, e·mits 1. To give or send out (matter or energy): isotopes that emit radioactive particles; a stove emitting heat. 2. a. light, constantly send radiation into your body, causing cell damage. Therefore, the following sentence is incorrect: "Over the next few years, they will give researchers the rare chance to measure how radiation levels in children's bodies affect their health in later life." Should be "... how levels of radioactivity in children's bodies..." Since such seemingly minor errors are seized upon by nuclear advocates, it behooves environmental journalists to watch out for avoidable mistakes. Kevin Eber, Editor, EREN EREN Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (US Department of Energy) Network News, via e-mail We welcome your letters Please type fetters fet·ter n. 1. A chain or shackle for the ankles or feet. 2. Something that serves to restrict; a restraint. tr.v. fet·tered, fet·ter·ing, fet·ters 1. To put fetters on; shackle. and include your full name, address and a daytime phone number. Mail to: E Magazine/Advice and Dissent, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881, or e-mail: letters@emagazine.com. |
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