Hazards of Contamination & Irradiation Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

Which type of radiation is most hazardous inside the body (from contamination), and why?

Alpha, because it is the most ionising and is all absorbed by nearby cells.

Which types of radiation are most hazardous outside the body (from irradiation), and why?

Gamma and beta, because they are penetrating enough to pass through skin into the body.

State two precautions used to protect against a radioactive source during irradiation.

Handle the source with long tongs / keep your distance, and use shielding such as lead or a lead-lined box; also limit exposure time.

State two precautions used to avoid becoming contaminated by a radioactive source.

Wear gloves and protective clothing, and never handle sources directly or eat near them.

True or false? Alpha sources are relatively safe outside the body because alpha is stopped by skin.

True. The danger comes if an alpha source is swallowed or inhaled, causing contamination.