Unit 10: The Radiological Threat Flashcards
What is the least energetic type of radiation? What does it include?
Nonionizing radiation
Includes visible light, radio waves
What kind of radiation causes a chemical change in atoms by removing their electrons, is the most energetic, and the most hazardous?
Ionizing radiation
What are the 4 kinds of Ionizing radiation?
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
Which kind of ionizing radiation can be stopped by paper and skin?
Alpha
Which kind of Ionizing radiation can be stopped by Aluminum and clothing?
Beta
What kind of ionizing radiation can be stopped by lead and penetrates skin?
Gamma
What kind of ionizing radiation can be stopped by concrete, but travels through humans?
Neutron
Contamination occurs when radioactive material is deposited on what?
Surfaces, Skin, and Clothing
It is important to note that radiation does not spread, what does?
radioactive material/contamination
Exposure only happens where?
Where there is biological damage.
True or False
Exposure causes contamination
False - It DOES NOT cause contamination
What occurs if radioactive material remains after contact?
Exposure
A person can become contaminated __________ and/or __________ with radioactive material entering the body through one or more routes of entry
Externally, Internally
How does Ionizing radiation damage the atoms of the body’s cell?
- Change their atomic structure and chemical properties
- Making them unable to properly function
What is a radiation dose?
The amount of radiation energy that is absorbed into the body
Doses can be acute or chronic, depending on what?
The duration of the exposure
What is an acute dose of radiation?
Doses received over a short amount of time
What are some effects of an acute dose of radiation? (6)
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Reduced blood count
What is a chronic dose of radiation?
Small amounts received over a long period of time
Why do health effects typically take years to develop?
Because the body is able to repair some of the damage caused by low-level radiation
What is a device designed to spread radioactive material through a detonation of conventional explosives or other (non-nuclear) means; also referred to as a “dirty bomb.”
Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD)
What is a radioactive material that is in a sealed container located in an area where persons would receive direct exposure?
Radiation Exposure Device (RED)
There are three basic principles of individual protection that apply to any and all sources of radiation, what are they?
Time, Distance, and Shielding
What is the minimal level of decontamination that is acceptable after exposure to a chemical or radioactive source?
Estimates suggest that removing and bagging the victim’s clothing removes 80-95% of the contaminants
To avoid cross-contamination, what should contaminated persons do?
Avoid contact with others until decon has been completed
True or False
Once radioactive material is inhaled or ingested, there are reliable antidotes.
False - there are NO reliable antidotes
True or False
There are some chemicals that do help cleanse the body of specific radioactive materials
True
