irridation and contamination Flashcards
What is a risk of using radiation
Ionising radiation can enter living cells and ionised atoms within them which can damage the cell and can cause things like cancer or kill them off completely
What is exposure to radiation called
Irradiation
Does irritating something make it radioactive
No
What is one way of reducing the effects of irradiation
Keeping sauces in a Leadline box and standing behind barriers when using these sources
What happens if you contaminate atoms
They might decay releasing radiation which could cause You harm
What should be used when handling radio active substances
Gloves and tongs to avoid particles getting stuck to your skin or under your nails
What does the serious of irradiation and contamination depend on
The source
Outside the body What sources are most dangerous
beta and gamma
Why are beta and gamma sources most dangerous
Because it can penetrate through the body and get to the delicate organs
Why are alpha sources less dangerous
Because they can’t penetrate the skin
Inside the body what sources are most dangerous
Alpha sources
Why are alpha sources most dangerous inside the body
Because they do all the damage in a very localised area so contamination rather than Irradiation is the major concern
Why are beta sources less damaging than alpha sources inside the body
Radiation is absorbed over a wide area and some Passes out of the body altogether
Why are gamma sources the least dangerous inside the body compared to beta and alpha
Because they mostly post straight out and have the lowest ionising power
