free radicals

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These are the chemicals released in a process called oxidation. Oxidation is when molecules in cells split and become unstable. This unstable activity causes a chain reaction in the surrounding molecules. The resulting free radicals can harm important molecules in the cells, including genes. Free radicals can work both for us and against us: Increased free radical activity might combine with other factors to cause some cancers. On the other hand, radiation therapy works in part by creating free radicals.

Audio contributed by: Erin Brockovich

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