More than one way
to mutate a cell's DNA
Even if alpha particles, such
as those in radon, don't hit a cell's DNA directly, they can cause dangerous
mutations by spawning free radicals, which in turn damage DNA.
References:
Wu, L.-J., G. Randers-Pehrson . . . and T.K. Hei. 1999. Targeted
cytoplasmic irradiation with alpha particles induces mutations in
mammalian cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
96(April 27):4959.
Further Readings:
Raloff, J. 1998. Radon-lung cancer risk high for smokers. Science
News 153(March 7):159.
Sources:
Tom K. Hei
Columbia University
College of Physicians and Surgeons
Vanderbilt Clinic 11-218
Center for Radiological Research
630 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
Noelle F. Metting
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Molecular and Cellular Biology
P.O. Box 999, Mailstop Code K8-56
Richland, WA 99352
Gerhard Randers-Pehrson
Columbia University
College of Physicians and Surgeons
Center for Radiological Research
New York, NY 10332
From Science
News, Vol. 155, No. 18, May 1, 1999, p. 278.
Copyright © 1999, Science Service.
