Ionising radiation, such as gamma rays, x-rays, and radioactive particles, can have a devastating effect on DNA and can lead to cancer. When radiation showers bombard the genome, they cause a lot of damage at once, which can overwhelm the cell's DNA repair mechanism. This damage to the DNA is the primary mechanism associated with the tumorigenicity of ionising radiation. Not only does ionising radiation damage DNA, but it also causes significant aberrations in the cellular epigenome.
These aberrations include alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility. It is not yet known how many tumors are caused by radiation damage, but it is clear that it has a significant impact on our health.The best way to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of ionising radiation is to limit our exposure as much as possible. This means avoiding unnecessary medical imaging tests and limiting our exposure to radiation in our environment. It is also important to be aware of any potential sources of radiation in our homes or workplaces and take steps to reduce our exposure.
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