Radiation and Radioactivity

The damaged caused at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami has created a host of potential hazards for workers and residents. Radiation and radioactive contaminants can have serious effects on humans, and can spread in a variety of ways. The graphics below examine the difference between radiation itself and radioactive contaminates.

Graphic by Vanessa Dennis.

SOURCES: EPA, Scientific American, The Guardian, New York Times, Radiation Shield Technologies