P2 - Radioactivity Safety Flashcards
What does low doses of radiation cause?
Minor damage which causes mutant cells that divide uncontrollably (cancer).
What do high doses of radiation cause?
It kill cells completely, causing radiation sickness if a lot are killed at once.
What are most dangerous sources outside the body and why?
Beta and gamma as they can get inside to the delicate organs.
Alpha can’t penetrate the skin.
What are the most dangerous radiation sources inside the body and why?
Alpha sources, they do all damage in a localised area.
Beta and gamma are less dangerous because they pass straight out.
What are safety precaution when handling radioactive materials?
1) short time.
2) no skin contact - use tongs.
3) arms length - as far away as possible.
4) don’t look directly at it.
5) store in a lead box, wear lead aprons and use lead screens.
Why is lead uses a lot when radioactive materials are involved?
It absorbs all three radiation types.
How does radiation harm living cells?
It will enter cells, collide with molecules to cause ionisation, destroying or damaging the molecules.
