Irradiation and contamination

Question 1

Ionising radiation

Answer 1

can enter living cells and ionise atoms within them. This can damage the cells or kill them off completely . Important to take precautions when working with source’s of radiation.

Question 2

irradiation

Answer 2

object exposed to radioactive source = irradiated by it .
irradiation does not make it radioactive

reduce effect of irradiation = keep radioactive sourced in lead lined boxed and stand behind barrier

in some industries, source may be in diff room and remote controlled arms used to handle it

2) High lvl of irradiation from all sources is dangerous and especially ones that emit beta and gamma

Question 3

Contamination

Answer 3

when unwanted radioactive atoms get onto or into other materials = object is contaminated

these contaminating atoms might then decay, releasing radiation causing you harm

Contamination especially dangerous because radioactive particles could get inside your body

Gloves, tongs used when handling radioactive sources to avoid particles getting stuck onto skin or under nails
Some industrial workers wear lead aprons./ protective suits to stop them breathing in particles

inside your body, alpha particles are most dangerous because they do damage in localised area, so contamination rather than irradiation is the major concern when working with alpha sources

Question 4

Dangers of irradiation and contamination

Answer 4

1) beta, gamma sources most dangerous as they penetrate body and get to delicate organs, alpha less dangerous as it can’t penetrate skin and easily blocked by small air gap

2) High lvl of irradiation from all sources is dangerous and especially ones that emit beta and gamma

Question 5

dangers of sources inside of body

Answer 5

inside your body, alpha particles are most dangerous because they do damage in localised area, so contamination rather than irradiation is the major concern when working with alpha sources

4) Beta sources are less damaging inside your body as radiation is absorbed over a wider area, and some passes out the body altogether. Gamma sources are least dangerous inside your body as they mostly pass straight through and have lowest ionising power.

Question 6

Over the year scientists have explored the effect of diff types of radiation on humans

Answer 6

its important that research is published and scientists share into with each other
Data must be peer reviewed so it quickly becomes accepted and leads to improvement in radioactive sources