Background radiation
When unstable atoms give off particles that can be harmful to humans. materials are hazardous. Particles or waves given out by the nucleus of an unstable atom. Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma waves are the three most common types of nuclear radiation. can To ionise is to convert an uncharged atom or molecule into a charged particle by adding or removing electrons. atoms and molecules in the body, which may change the way cells behave. It can also transfer large amounts of energy into the body which can damage or destroy cells.
Effects that Energy carried by particles from a radioactive substance, or spreading out from a source. has on a human body include:
- eye cataracts
- cancer
- skin burns
- leukaemia and other blood disorders
Managing the risks
The risk associated with radioactive materials depends on the amount and type of radiation. For example, A type of ionising radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. radiation is more ionising than A type of ionising radiation that is also part of the EM spectrum. It has no mass. but does not penetrate as far. In general, the dose received and the risk of ill-effects increases by being exposed:
- to highly radioactive materials
- to radioactive materials for long periods of time or on a regular basis
Precautions are taken to reduce the risk of harm when using radioactive sources. These include:
- keeping radioactive sources shielded when not in use, for example in a lead-lined box
- wearing protective clothing to prevent the body becoming contaminated
- limiting exposure time so less time is spent with radioactive materials
- handling radioactive materials with A scissor-like tool used to pick up and manipulate objects without touching them directly with the hands. to increase the distance from them
- monitoring exposure using detector badges
Background radiation
Radioactive materials occur naturally. As a result, everyone is exposed to low levels of radiation every day. This exposure comes from a mixture of natural and man-made sources.
The actual amount of radiation that a person is exposed to depends on where they live, what job they do and many other things.
Scientists must always take into consideration the amount of Low level nuclear radiation that is always present from natural and man-made sources, eg cosmic rays from the Sun, radioactive rocks in the Earth's crust, radioactive radon gas in the air. when working or experimenting with radioactive sources and discount it from their results.
