well here is the thing.
Radiation(if I remember correctly) is a funny thing.
Obviously, were all aware that radiation is just stray particles being emitted from a type of material.
Just about everything emits radiation in some form. We are constantly being bombared by radioactive particles everyday. Where it becomes tricky is on the cellular level. These particles are small enough to literally pass right through our bodies. However, sometimes they come in contact with cells. Certain types of radiation can have adverse effects on living cells, some can seriously alter the cellular structure, some can instantly kill the cell dead. This is why radiation is a common form of cancer treatment. Also, you have to remember that radioactive particles do not discriminate, and some cells in are body are very weak when it comes to protection.
Now you also have to take exposier into account. Pretty simple concept, the more particles you are exposed to, the higher your chance of having one or more of those particles hit a vulnerable cell.
Obviously the more exposier you have to harmful radiation, the more likely you are to suffer serious health risks or death.
Your body could take months of radioactive cancer treatment, but you would last 10 minutes standing next to a Uranium rod. (un-protected of course)
