The radiation from radioactive substances can sometimes be sufficiently
penetrating (energetic) that it can break chemical bonds which are essential
to the structure and function of living tissue. Not all such breaks can be
repaired by the body's defense mechanisms. Depending on the extent of the
damage, a fragmented molecular connection cannot always carry out its proper
function in the biochemistry of the organism. Therein lies the danger.
Commonly used in nuclear fuel rods (example: radioactive material - LSA (yellow cake)).
There are three categories which indicate the surface radiation level for a package
with Category I being the lowest level and Category III the highest.
Radioactives are separated into hazard categories according to the level of radioactivity:
Category III - high risk, requires special handling
- Category II - medium risk, requires little special handling
- Category I - low risk, requires no special handling
There are no divisions for Class 7.
There are no packing groups for Class 7.
Radioactives are highly regulated and must be handled under the rules of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
