Radioactive Contamination

Question 1

Exposure to a radioactive source can be the result of:

Answer 1

Radioactive contamination or Irradiation

Question 2

What is irradiation?

Answer 2

The process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation. It does not become radioactive itself.

Question 3

The risk of damaging living cells as a result of radiation can be reduced in three ways:

Answer 3

• shielding = lead, lined aprons/thick concrete walls
• distance = increasing distance reduces risk of irradiation
• time = provides less opportunity for ionisation to occur

Question 4

Give an example in a why irradtion can be used

Answer 4

To sterilise medical equipment by destroying harmful bacteria on its surface

Question 5

What is radioactive contamination?

Answer 5

The unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials.

Question 6

If an object becomes radioactive by containing radioactive material - is it easy or difficult to remove?

Answer 6

Difficult

Question 7

When using radioactive sources inside the body, the risk of damage to healthy cells can be minimised by 3 ways which are:

Answer 7

• using a source with a short half life = limits time they are exposed to ionising radiation
• using a gamma emitting source = lowest ionising power and only type able to penetrate skin barrier