what does ionizing radiation include

In nature, sources of ionizing radiation include:

• Radiation from space (cosmic and solar radiation)
• Radiation from the earth (terrestrial radiation) Radon.
• Radiation from building materials.

Full Answer

What is ionizing radiation, and why is it harmful?

Why is ionizing radiation so harmful? Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living things, so it poses a health risk by damaging tissue and DNA in genes. has sufficient energy to affect the atoms in living cells and thereby damage their genetic material (DNA). Fortunately, the cells in our bodies are extremely efficient at repairing this damage.

Is ionizing radiation always harmful?

No. Ionizing radiation gets harmful to an organism when the total amount of it gets too high. If the amount of ionizing radiation exposure is very low, our bodies can handle a few damaged molecules easily, so that there is no net harm done to our bodies.

What are the three types of ionizing radiation?

Types of ionizing radiation include alpha, beta, and neutron particles; gamma rays; and X-rays. In contrast, non-ionizing radiation has a lower energy that is not capable of ionizing other atoms. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.

What do you need to know about ionizing radiation?

What is ionizing radiation?

• Ionizing Radiation from Natural Sources. Ionizing radiation that comes from natural sources is typically at low levels. ...
• Ionizing Radiation from Manmade Sources. Every day, we use Ionizing radiation to help us live healthy lives. ...
• Natural Sources. ...
• Manmade Sources. ...

What does ionizing radiation consist of?

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves (gamma or X-rays) or particles (neutrons, beta or alpha). The spontaneous disintegration of atoms is called radioactivity, and the excess energy emitted is a form of ionizing radiation.

What are examples of ionizing radiation?

Examples of ionizing radiation include:some forms of electromagnetic radiation: high energy ultraviolet radiation. X-rays. gamma rays.particle radiation such as: alpha particles. beta particles (electrons) neutrons.

What are the 3 major sources of ionizing radiation?

In nature, sources of ionizing radiation include:Radiation from space (cosmic and solar radiation)Radiation from the earth (terrestrial radiation) Radon.Radiation from building materials.

What are the 4 types of radiation?

There are four major types of radiation: alpha, beta, neutrons, and electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays. They differ in mass, energy and how deeply they penetrate people and objects. The first is an alpha particle.

What are examples of non-ionizing radiation?

What is non-ionizing radiation?Radiofrequency (RF) radiation used in many broadcast and communications applications.Microwaves used in the home kitchen.Infrared radiation used in heat lamps.Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds.

What are ionizing and non-ionizing radiation?

Radiation is classified as being either non-ionizing or ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation is longer wavelength/lower frequency lower energy. While ionizing radiation is short wavelength/high frequency higher energy. Ionizing Radiation has sufficient energy to produce ions in matter at the molecular level.

Do cell phones have ionizing radiation?

Cell phones emit low levels of non-ionizing radiation when in use. The type of radiation emitted by cell phones is also referred to as radio frequency (RF) energy. As stated by the National Cancer Institute, "there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans.

What is the strongest ionizing radiation?

Alpha particles have approximately four times the mass of a proton or neutron and approximately ~8,000 times the mass of a beta particle (Figure 5.4. 1). Because of the large mass of the alpha particle, it has the highest ionizing power and the greatest ability to damage tissue.

What is ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation is radiation with enough energy that to remove tightly bound electrons from the orbit of an atom, causing that atom to become ch...

What makes radiation wave-like?

Most of the more familiar types of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and radio waves, exhibit “wave-like” behaviour in their interac...

What is the particle form of radiation?

Particulate radiation is a form of ionizing radiation. This consists of atomic or subatomic particles (electrons, protons, etc.) that carry kinetic...

What are isotopes?

Atoms in their normal state are electrically neutral because the total negative charge of electrons outside the nucleus equals the total positive c...

What does activity mean when discussing radioisotopes?

The activity of a radioisotope is simply a measure of how many atoms undergo radioactive decay per a unit of time. The International System of Unit...

What is a dose of radiation and how is it measured?

Only the energy from ionizing radiation that is imparted to (or absorbed by) the human body can cause harm to health. To understand its biological...

What are the sources of radiation exposure?

Radiation is permanently present throughout the environment - in the air, water, food, soil and in all living organisms. In fact, a large proportio...

What are the different types of ionizing radiation?

Types of ionizing radiation include alpha, beta, and neutron particles; gamma rays; and X-rays. In contrast, non-ionizing radiation has a lower energy that is not capable of ionizing other atoms. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. For more information about the types of ionizing radiation, ...

How does ionizing radiation affect humans?

When ionizing radiation interacts with humans, it is capable of damaging living cells in the human body. Humans can be exposed: 1) to external radiation from a radiation source outside of the body, such as an X-ray from an X-ray machine; or 2) through internal exposure following inhalation (breathing in), ingestion (swallowing), or wound uptake (i.e., through non-intact skin) of radioactive material. In addition, the skin can become contaminated with radioactive materials when proper controls are not in place to prevent contamination or following an emergency.

What type of radiation is most likely to occur near reactors?

This page also introduces another type of ionizing radiation, neutron particles, although significant worker doses from neutrons are most likely near reactors or when using neutron sources (e.g., californium (Cf)-252, americium (Am)-241/beryllium (Be), plutonium (Pu) Be). Worker doses from neutrons could also occur in certain radiological emergencies. Visit OSHA’s Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response page for more information on protecting workers during radiological emergencies.

What are the elements that make up the atoms?

Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons in orbitals around the nucleus. The number of protons determines the element (oxygen, hydrogen, etc.), and the number of neutrons determines the isotope (hydrogen-1, hydrogen-2, etc.). Some isotopes are unstable and give off energy (i.e., decay) to become more stable. In this context, an unstable atom is said to be "radioactive," and the energy it releases is referred to as "radiation." When the radiation has enough energy to ionize other atoms (i.e., remove negatively-charged particles called "electrons") in its path, it is referred to as "ionizing radiation." Types of ionizing radiation include alpha, beta, and neutron particles; gamma rays; and X-rays. In contrast, non-ionizing radiation has a lower energy that is not capable of ionizing other atoms. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.

What is a neutron?

Neutrons are high-speed nuclear particles that are the only type of ionizing radiation that can make objects radioactive.

What are some examples of atomic particles with mass?

Examples. PARTICULATE RADIATION (sub-atomic particles with mass, such as alpha and beta particles, electrons, and neutrons) Alpha particles (α) Positively charged particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons emitted from the nucleus of some radioactive atoms. An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom.

How many neutrons does an F-18 atom have?

An F-18 atom has nine protons and nine neutrons, and is unstable (i.e., radioactive). To become more stable, the F-18 atom releases radiation by turning a proton into a neutron and ejecting a positron. Having gained a neutron and lost a proton, the radioactive F-18 atom becomes stable oxygen-18 (O-18), with eight protons and 10 neutrons.

What is ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation, flow of energy in the form of atomic and subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that is capable of freeing electrons from an atom, causing the atom to become charged (or ionized). Ionizing radiation includes the more energetic end of the electromagnetic spectrum ( X-rays and gamma rays) and subatomic particles, ...

What are the elements that make up ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation includes the more energetic end of the electromagnetic spectrum ( X-rays and gamma rays) and subatomic particles, such as electrons, neutrons, and alpha particles ( helium nuclei each comprising two protons and two neutrons).

How does ionizing radiation affect DNA?

Through the displacement of electrons (ionization), ionizing radiation effectively disrupts molecular bonds. In living organisms, such disruption can cause extensive damage to cellsand their genetic material. A characteristic type of DNAdamage produced by ionizing radiation, even by a single radiation track through a cell, involves closely spaced, multiple lesions that compromise cellular DNA repairmechanisms. Although most of the cells sustaining such radiation-induced damage may be eliminated by damage response pathways, some cells are capable of escaping these pathways, propagating, and eventually undergoing malignant transformation, a crucial step in cancerdevelopment.

Why is DNA damaged by radiation?

Although electrons are only somewhat more penetrating than alpha particles, the immediate cause of most radiation-related damage to DNA is thought to stem from interactions with secondary electrons energized by transfer from electromagnetic or particle radiation originating outside the cell.

What damage can ionizing radiation do to cells?

In living organisms, such disruption can cause extensive damage to cells and their genetic material. A characteristic type of DNA damage produced by ionizing radiation, even by a single radiation track through a cell, involves closely spaced, multiple lesions that compromise cellular DNA repair mechanisms. Although most of the cells sustaining such ...

How much radiation is fatal?

As reference points, unusually high doses of ionizing radiation include dose equivalents in excess of 100 mSv. Whole-body exposures in excess of 4 Sv (4,000 mSv) are usually fatal in the absence of medical intervention, whereas much higher doses, limited to single organs or restricted parts of the body, are often used safely for treatment of cancer.

Does radiation cause cancer?

However, organs and tissues differ in their sensitivity to radiation carcinogenesis (cancer-causing ability). Cancer risk further varies by type of ionizing radiation, by gender, by age at exposure, by age and time following exposure, and by lifestyle factors, such as reproductive history and exposure to other carcinogens (e.g., tobacco smoke).

What is ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation ( ionising radiation) consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that have sufficient energy to ionize atoms or molecules by detaching electrons from them. The particles generally travel at a speed that is greater than 1% of that of light, and the electromagnetic waves are on the high-energy portion of the electromagnetic spectrum .

What are the subatomic particles that make up ionizing radiation?

Typical ionizing subatomic particles include alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. These are typically created by radioactive decay, and almost all are energetic enough to ionize. Secondary cosmic particles produced after cosmic rays interact with Earth's atmosphere, including muons, mesons, and positrons. Cosmic rays may also produce radioisotopes on Earth (for example, carbon-14 ), which in turn decay and emit ionizing radiation. Cosmic rays and the decay of radioactive isotopes are the primary sources of natural ionizing radiation on Earth, contributing to background radiation. Ionizing radiation is also generated artificially by X-ray tubes, particle accelerators, and nuclear fission .

How to limit exposure to radiation?

There are three standard ways to limit exposure: 1 Time: For people exposed to radiation in addition to natural background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time will reduce the dose from the radiation source. 2 Distance: Radiation intensity decreases sharply with distance, according to an inverse-square law (in an absolute vacuum). 3 Shielding: Air or skin can be sufficient to substantially attenuate alpha and beta radiation. Barriers of lead, concrete, or water are often used to give effective protection from more penetrating particles such as gamma rays and neutrons. Some radioactive materials are stored or handled underwater or by remote control in rooms constructed of thick concrete or lined with lead. There are special plastic shields that stop beta particles, and air will stop most alpha particles. The effectiveness of a material in shielding radiation is determined by its half-value thicknesses, the thickness of material that reduces the radiation by half. This value is a function of the material itself and of the type and energy of ionizing radiation. Some generally accepted thicknesses of attenuating material are 5 mm of aluminum for most beta particles, and 3 inches of lead for gamma radiation.

How does ionization affect a chemical reaction?

Ionization of molecules can lead to radiolysis (breaking chemical bonds), and formation of highly reactive free radicals. These free radicals may then react chemically with neighbouring materials even after the original radiation has stopped. (e.g., ozone cracking of polymers by ozone formed by ionization of air). Ionizing radiation can also accelerate existing chemical reactions such as polymerization and corrosion, by contributing to the activation energy required for the reaction. Optical materials deteriorate under the effect of ionizing radiation.

How are positrons generated?

Positrons can be generated by positron emission nuclear decay (through weak interactions ), or by pair production from a sufficiently energetic photon. Positrons are common artificial sources of ionizing radiation used in medical positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

What is the difference between gamma and beta radiation?

Gamma ( γ) radiation, consisting of energetic photons, is eventually absorbed as it penetrates a dense material. Neutron ( n) radiation consists of free neutrons that are blocked by light elements, like hydrogen, which slow and/or capture them. Not shown: galactic cosmic rays that consist of energetic charged nuclei such as protons, helium nuclei, and high-charged nuclei called HZE ions.

How do photons ionize atoms?

Even though photons are electrically neutral, they can ionize atoms indirectly through the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect. Either of those interactions will cause the ejection of an electron from an atom at relativistic speeds, turning that electron into a beta particle (secondary beta particle) that will ionize other atoms. Since most of the ionized atoms are due to the secondary beta particles, photons are indirectly ionizing radiation.

What is ionizing radiation?

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves (gamma or X-rays) or particles (neutrons, beta or alpha). The spontaneous disintegration of atoms is called radioactivity, and the excess energy emitted is a form of ionizing radiation. Unstable elements which disintegrate and emit ionizing radiation are called radionuclides.

What are the types of exposures to ionizing radiation?

Exposure to ionizing radiation can be classified into 3 exposure situations. The first, planned exposure situations, result from the deliberate introduction and operation of radiation sources with specific purposes, as is the case with the medical use of radiation for diagnosis or treatment of patients, or the use of radiation in industry or research. The second type of situation, existing exposures, is where exposure to radiation already exists, and a decision on control must be taken – for example, exposure to radon in homes or workplaces or exposure to natural background radiation from the environment. The last type, emergency exposure situations, result from unexpected events requiring prompt response such as nuclear accidents or malicious acts.

What is the unit of a radionuclide?

The activity — used as a measure of the amount of a radionuclide present — is expressed in a unit called the becquerel ...

How is radiation acquired?

Radiation exposure may be internal or external, and can be acquired through various exposure pathways. Internal exposure to ionizing radiation occurs when a radionuclide is inhaled, ingested or otherwise enters into the bloodstream (for example, by injection or through wounds).

What is the effect of ionizing radiation on the body?

Health effects of ionizing radiation. Radiation damage to tissue and/or organs depends on the dose of radiation received, or the absorbed dose which is expressed in a unit called the gray (Gy). The potential damage from an absorbed dose depends on the type of radiation and the sensitivity of different tissues and organs.

How much higher is radiation exposure than the global average?

Exposure in certain areas can be more than 200 times higher than the global average. Human exposure to radiation also comes from human-made sources ranging from nuclear power generation to medical uses of radiation for diagnosis or treatment.

How can radioactive material be removed from the body?

This type of radioactive material can often be removed from the body by simply washing. Exposure to ionizing radiation can also result from irradiation from an external source, such as medical radiation exposure from X-rays.

Which agency regulates radiation exposure?

The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission —other agencies that regulate public and occupational ionizing radiation exposure—have updated standards based on more recent radiation protection guidance, such as that of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

What is the purpose of a radiation safety officer?

Provides general information on controlling and preventing ionizing radiation hazards.

What is OSHA radiation protection guidance?

For example, mentions of "OSHA's Ionizing Radiation standards" refer to standards that protect workers from ionizing radiation in general industry, construction, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and longshoring. Readers should familiarize themselves with this webpage's detailed discussions of OSHA standards, including how they apply to each sector in which OSHA maintains authority for worker safety and health.

Is ionizing radiation harmful to workers?

While everyone is exposed to natural background radiation, workers may also be exposed to ionizing radiation in workplaces with radiation sources. These radiation sources can pose a health risk to workers if not properly controlled.

Is OSHA ionizing radiation updated?

Readers should also note that OSHA's Ionizing Radiation standards have not been substantially revised from the provisions in the original 1971 version of 29 CFR 1910.1096 (which 29 CFR 1926.53, the Ionizing Radiation standard for construction, incorporates by reference). The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission—other agencies that regulate public and occupational ionizing radiation exposure—have updated standards based on more recent radiation protection guidance, such as that of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

What are the two types of radiation effects?

Health effects from radiation doses can be grouped into two categories: deterministic and stochastic. Deterministic effects occur after a threshold dose is reached, meaning at dose below the threshold are not expected to cause the particular effect. The severity of the effect increases with the dose.

What are the health effects of radiation?

Types of Health Effects. When ionizing radiation interacts with cells, it can cause damage to the cells and genetic material ( i.e., deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). If not properly repaired, this damage can result in the death of the cell or potentially harmful changes in the DNA (i.e., mutations). Health effects from radiation doses can be grouped ...

How long does it take for a radiation dose to cause a deterministic effect?

Some of these health effects (e.g., skin reddening/burns) can occur after a short delay of 1 4 weeks after an acute radiation dose is received.

Is it safe to have a stochastic radiation dose?

This is the reason that no level of radiation dose is considered to be completely "safe" and why doses should always be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

Is radiation safe for cancer?

This conclusion assumes that there is likely no safe dose level (i.e., threshold), and that even low radiation doses have the potential to cause a small increase in cancer risk. 4

Which agency provides information on radiation?

The CDC provides more information on Health Effects of Radiation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides information on Radiation Health Effects.

Can radiology workers be exposed to radiation?

Some workers, such as radiology department workers, may be repeatedly exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation over the course of their careers. The resulting dose levels are almost always below the threshold doses needed for deterministic health effects to occur.

Overview

Ionizing radiation (or ionising radiation), including nuclear radiation, consists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that have sufficient energy to ionize atoms or molecules by detaching electrons from them. The particles generally travel at a speed that is 99% of that of light, and the electromagnetic waves are on the high-energy portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma rays, X-rays, and the higher energy ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum are io…

Directly ionizing radiation

Indirectly ionizing radiation

Physical effects

Health effects

Uses of radiation

Sources of radiation

Radiation exposure