🏥 MedicineGamma rays and tracers image organs and kill cancer cells (radiotherapy).

🦴 Carbon-14 datingLiving things stop taking in C-14 when they die; its 5,730-year half-life dates bones and wood.

🔥 Smoke detectorsA tiny americium-241 alpha source detects smoke particles.

⚡ Nuclear powerSplitting uranium produces heat to make electricity without CO₂ emissions.

☢️ SafetyRadiation can damage DNA. Limit time near sources, increase distance, and use shielding.

🌍 Background radiationWe’re always exposed to a little: from rocks, radon gas, space and food. It’s normally harmless.