B7 Radiation Flashcards
What are the two basic types of radiation
Electromagnetic- made up of energy waves
Particulate- made up of particles, these particles carry the energy in much the same way as the waves in electromagnetic radiation but these have a physical mass.
Difference between ironising and non ironising radiation
Ironising radiation causes ionisation in the material that absorbs it where as non ironising radiation does not cause ionisation of the material that absorbs it.
What is ionisation
Ionising radiation is radiation that carries enough energy to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby changing the atomic structure of the material that is absorbing the radiation..
Electromagnetic spectrum
Gamma (ironising) X-ray (ironising) Ultraviolet (all below non ironising) Visible light Infrared Microwave Radio waves
Remember Randy, Men, In, Vans, Use, X-rated, Girls
Ironising electromagnetic radiation
Gamma-rays, naturally occurring, typical occupational source is cobalt 60 used for industrial radiography
X-Rays, artificiality generated by bombarding a metal target with electrons inside a vacuum tube, typical occupational source of X-rays would be a generator used for medical radiography
Both rays act like light and travel in straight lines at the speed of light, they are very penetrating.
Types of particulate radiation
Alpha = made up of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during radioactive decay. Poor penetration unlikely to penetrate the skin or be absorbed by living tissue as the horny layer of skin will block its entrance. Occupational source would be a smoke detector
Beta = more penetrating than Alpha particles can pass through skin but not thicker materials, typical occupational source would be a thickness gauge.
Neutrons = extremely penetrating, typical occupational source would be a nuclear reactor
Radiation protection agencies
International commission on radiological protection (ICRP)
International commission on non-ironising radiation protection (ICNIRP)
Sources of non ironising radiation
Natural = the sun
Artificial
- UV = welding equipment, sun lamps
- Visible = general lighting, cutting and welding equipment, lasers.
- IR = Metal furnaces, fire, heat lamps
- Microwaves = mobile phone masts, microwave oven.
- Radio waves = communication equipment
Effects of Ultraviolet on the body
Acute effects
- Skin = sunburn/ burns
- Arc eye = inflammation and temporary blindness
- Weaken immune system
Chronic effects
- Premature ageing of skin (Destruction of collagen)
- Skin cancer/ melanoma(damage to DNA molecules from free radicals)
- Cataracts (yellowing of lens to eye)
Indirect = photosensitisation and the formation of toxic contamination
Effects of visible light
Nuisance glare (difficulty in seeing difference)
Disability glare (temporary blindness)
Permanent blindness from lasers
Effects of radiation
Acute reddening of skin and surface layer of eyes
Chronic cataract from exposure to white hot surfaces over time
Effects of microwaves
Effects from internal heating
Effects of radio waves
Similar to microwaves = internal heating
Risk assessment criteria for non ironising radiation
- Source of non ironising radiation to which workers will be exposed to.
- The wavelength, intensity and duration of exposure
- Parts of body exposed (esp eyes for UV and visible light)
- Exposure to sunlight
- Exposure limit values (or guidance)
- Workers at increased risk
- Interactions between optical radiation and photosensitising chemicals
- Results of Health surveillance
- Multiple source of exposure
- information provided by manufacturers
Control measures for non ironising radiation
- Eliminate
- Choose Less radiation emitting Equipment
- Technical measures to reduce unwanted emissions (interlocking, shielding)
- Maintenance
- Design ie use of non reflective surfaces, control direction of source
- Limit duration and level or intensity of exposure, increase distance from source
- PPE
- Develop and implement safe systems of work
- Provide information, instruction and training
- Warning signage.