1 IONIZING RADIATION

2 Non-Ionizing Radiation Does not have enough energy to remove electrons from surrounding atoms

3 There Are Lots Of Types Of Radiation

4 Atomic Structure  All matter is made up of atoms  Protons  Neutrons  Electrons  Not all atoms are stable  Unstable atoms are known as radioactive atoms

5 Our Bodies Are Resilient _ DNA damage is most important and can lead to cell malfunction or death. _ Our body has ~ 60 trillion cells »Each cell takes “a hit” about every 10 seconds, resulting in tens of millions of DNA breaks per cell each year. »BACKGROUND RADIATION causes only a very small fraction of these breaks (~ 5 DNA breaks per cell each year). _ Our bodies have a highly efficient DNA repair mechanisms

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7 Unstable Atoms Emit Radiation

8 Alpha Particle An alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons. An alpha particle is essentially the nucleus of a helium nucleus (but with a great deal more energy). It has a charge of positive two. It is represented by the following chemical symbol.

9 Alpha Radiation is only a hazard when inside your body (internal hazard) Your skin will stop it can’t penetrate skin internal hazard stopped by paper found in soil, radon and other radioactive materials

10 Beta Particle The beta particle is a high energy electron. It has a charge of negative one. It has the following symbol.  -

11 Beta Radiation is a Skin, Eye and Internal Hazard skin, eye and internal hazard stopped by plastic found in natural food, air and water

12 Gamma Radiation Gamma rays (and Xrays and Cosmic rays ) are electromagnetic radiation. They are pure energy with no no charge or mass. The gamma ray has the following symbol. 

13 stopped by lead naturally present in soil and cosmic radiation found in medical uses X and gamma radiation are penetrating radiation and an EXTERNAL HAZARD.

14 Background and Manufactured Radiation In the U.S. Contributes 360 mrem per Year cosmic - 28 diet - 40 terrestrial - 28 radon - 200

15 Uses of Radiation Food sterilization Nuclear Power Consumer products Industrial and Medical Uses

16 mrem Manufactured sources of radiation contribute an average of 60 mrem/year cigarette smoking mrem round trip US by air 5 mrem per trip building materials fallout < 1 smoke detectors medical - 53 mrem

17 Radiation Versus Radioactive Contamination  Radiation is particles or waves of energy emitted from unstable atoms.  Radioactive Contamination is radioactive material usually in any location you do not want it.

18 Biological Effects of Radiation  Early scientists determined that radiation was a useful tool but it could hurt you.  Radiation can cause burns and cellular damage.

19 Biological Effects of Radiation  The principle hazard from radiation exposure is an increase in the risk of cancer induction.

20 SIGNS ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY EVERYONE OF THE PRESENCE OF RADIATION

21 MONITORING RADIATION EXPOSURE Radiation dosimeters measures radiation dose to people.

22 Minimize Dose By Good Practices  TIME - reduce time of exposure  DISTANCE - increase distance  SHIELDING - use shielding

23 Alpha Survey Meter Radiation is detected with survey meters Beta, Gamma & X-ray Survey Meter