[kevinnn]

  
Ok, i guess radioactive atoms and elements confuse me.  What makes something radioactive?  And everyone knows that radioactive chemicals are bad and dangerous, my question is... why???  Any help that can be given would be appreciated, thanks.

[AWK]

What makes something radioactive?

Unstability of nucleus.

And everyone knows that radioactive chemicals are bad and dangerous, my question is... why???

http://www.ehs.unr.edu/Documents/RadSafety.pdf

[Borek]

everyone knows that radioactive chemicals are bad and dangerous

I don't know that.

I know that large doses of radiation are dangerous, but stating "radiation is dangerous" is about as precise as stating "kitchen salt is not dangerous". Unfortunately this is type of thinking that makes people panic whenever they hear word "nuclear" (or "nucular", depending on whom they listen to).

[opti384]

I know that large doses of radiation are dangerous, but stating "radiation is dangerous" is about as precise as stating "kitchen salt is not dangerous". Unfortunately this is type of thinking that makes people panic whenever they hear word "nuclear" (or "nucular", depending on whom they listen to).

Agreed. @kevinnn: There are useful applications of radioactive chemicals in our lives.

[vmelkon]

People living close to nuclear reactors are buying potassium iodide pills like crazy. I guess they suddenly noticed the nuclear reactor next to them and are scared out of their pants. Ebay is getting flooded with pills while before the Japan, there were no "potassium iodide pill" sellers. There was only a couple of chemical suppliers.

[Borek]

People living close to nuclear reactors are buying potassium iodide pills like crazy.

There is a sucker born every minute.