What are free radicals?
Free radicals are atoms, of which oxygen and hydrogen are
examples, which consist of a nucleus having a positive charge,
with a negatively charged cloud of electrons in orbit around the
nucleus, much like satellites around a planet. Atoms are in
their most stable state ie. chemically least reactive) when
their orbiting electrons are paired.

Various conditions, such as collisions between atoms or
molecules or their contact with high energy radiation, can lead
to the unpairing of the electrons to produce free radicals. With
one electron removed the atom becomes more reactive as it
actively searches to replace its lost electron. The free radical
may cause other harmful reactions to occur, leading to tissue
damage, before stabilising. A free radical may be electrically
charged or carry no charge (an increased charge shows a greater
affinity for free radical attack).

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