What biological effect can neutrons have?

Neutrons can produce significant biological effects due to their unique properties and interactions with biological tissues. Unlike charged particles, neutrons are uncharged and can penetrate matter more deeply. When neutrons collide with the nuclei of atoms in living cells, they can cause ionization indirectly, as their interactions can generate secondary charged particles, such as alpha and beta particles. This type of radiation can disrupt cellular functions, lead to DNA damage, and potentially result in mutations or cell death.

The biological effects of neutrons are particularly relevant in radiation protection, as they are more biologically effective compared to other types of radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, for the same energy deposited in the tissue. This increased biological effectiveness is influenced by factors such as the neutron's energy and the type of biological tissue exposed. As a result, understanding the biological effects of neutrons is crucial for evaluating radiation risks and for developing effective safety protocols in environments where neutron radiation is present.