Ch 1/2 WS Flashcards
What are electrically charged particles called?
Ions
Where are ions located? What gets ionized?
In molecules, atoms get ionized
Why are these ionization events significant?
Ions and free e- have potential to cause damage
What can ions do to living tissues?
Create unstable atoms Cause + and - charges ions Create free radicals Create new biologic molecules Alter normal function of cells
List the properties of x-radiation
Invisible Varying degrees of penetration Not influenced by magnetic or electrical fields Have no mass or charge Travel at the speed of light in straight line Cause certain materials to fluoresce Can not focus them with a lens Will darken photographic film Heterogenous beam
List the goals of radiation protection programs
Protect from short/long term effects
Where can short/long term effects occur in humans?
Organs, whole body (cancer), future generations (hereditary)
Define radiation protection
Measures employed by radiation workers to protect themselves, patients, co-workers, public, from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation
What is “necessary”?
Limiting scatter and secondary radiation
What is “unnecessary”?
Overutilization of radiation
What is special about x-rays and gamma rays?
High enough frequency to be ionizing
Has properties of waves and particles
At higher energies, act more like a particle
Name the categories of radiation and what falls into these categories
Natural: planetary-dirt/soil, cosmic-from sun daily, internal-foods we eat
Man-made: consumer products, air travel, nuclear fuel, medical radiation
What is the largest source of man-made radiation in the US?
Medical imaging (CT and nuc med)
What is the average background radiation received by US citizens each year?
3 mSv/yr
What is the average dose from man-made radiation per year in the US?
3.3 mSv/yr
