Radiation Safety

Question 1

How is ionizing radiation dangerous?

Answer 1

It removes electrons from atoms, releasing free radicals

Question 2

In what ways can ionizing radiation affect the body?

Answer 2

Tissue injury, chromosomal damage, and malignancy

Question 3

How is exposure quantified (unit)?

Answer 3

Roentgen (R)

Question 4

What is the unit used to relate the human tissue absorption to the effective biological damage of radiation?

Answer 4

roentgen equivalent in man (rem)

Question 5

What is the yearly maximum radiation exposure for adults?

Answer 5

5 rem

Question 6

What is the yearly maximum exposure for the fetus of a pregnant worker?

Answer 6

0.5 rem or 0.05 rem/month

Question 7

What parts of the body are most susceptible to injury?

Answer 7

The fetus (most vulnerable in a pregnant person), eyes, and thyroid

Question 8

What are the three ways to limit radiation exposure?

Answer 8

Distance, duration, shielding

Question 9

What is the minimum safe distance from the radiation source?

Answer 9

Six feet

Question 10

How is exposure quantified in relation to distance?

Answer 10

Intensity = 1/ Distance ^2