Radioactive contamination Flashcards
Irradiation or contamination?
‘Occurs when an object is exposed to a source of radiation outside the object’
Irradiation
What is radioactive contamination
The unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on on other materials
What is irradiation
The exposure of an object to nuclear radiation
Give 3 advantages of radioactive contamination
tracers, exposure, imaging
1) radioactive isotopes can be used as medical/industrial tracers
2) using isotopes with short half-lives = little exposure
3) imaging processes can replace surgical procedures
What causes the hazard from radioactive contamination
The decay of contaminating atoms
How can radioactive contamination be used to check for leaks in pipes
The water can be intentionally be contaminated with gamma rays so when the contaminated water seeps into the ground through the leak, there will be a build up of gamma emissions which can be detected.
why must the isotope used to check for leaks have a half life of at least several days
To give the emissions time to build up in the soil
What are 3 disadvantages of using radioactive contamination in pipes to search for leaks/in general
(Where, exposure, removal)
1) may not always go where desired
2) exposure to materials can damage cells
3) not always ensured that all contamination is fully removed
Compare the removal of radiation in irradiation and contamination
Contamination: very difficult to remove all contamination
Irradiation: stops as soon as the source is removed
Give a precaution taken against radiation regarding the key words below
1) lead
2) clothing
3) contact
4) mask
5) time
1) keep sources shielded when not in use
2) wear protective clothing to prevent body contamination
3) avoid contact with skin + don’t taste
4) wear face masks to prevent breathing material
5) limit exposure/time spent around material
Give 2 ways in which nuclear radiation is hazardous to the body
1) chemicals
2) energy
1) can ionise chemicals in body changing actions
2) can deposit large amount of energy into body that can damage/destroy body cells
Why is it important for studies in effects of radiation on human body be published
So that the findings can be checked by peer review by other scientists
Compare contamination and irradiation in terms of shielding from radiation
Irradiation: radiation can be blocked with suitable shielding
Contamination: once contaminated, radiation can’t be blocked from it
