Alpha and gamma radiation

In this short review it is perhaps sufficient to indicate that in organic materials the primary processes and products of alpha and gamma radiation are usually fairly similar. However, major differences occur in the presence of so-called protecting additives, which are far less effective in the case of alphas. This is to be expected from the high concentration of radicals built up in the dense alpha track, far higher than in gamma or electron spurs. From the data on the effect of radical scavengers on the final product, the diameter of the alpha track can be estimated. 

Emission of alpha and gamma radiation Emission of beta radiation Decay chain... 

We have now seen an example with emission of alpha and gamma radiation from the decay of uranium-238 into thorium-234. In the next example the emission for beta radiation from the unstable oxygen-20 isotope will be sketched. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION wear appropriate chemical protective clothing, water contaminated with alpha and gamma radiation should not be allowed to contact skin or personal clothing wear waterproof protection a mask with air filter may be required if the radioactivity is airborne enclose operations and/or use local exhaust ventilation at site of chemical release use dust-and splash-proof safety goggles appropriate respirators are needed in areas where exposure would be above the permissible exposure level wear self-contained breathing apparatus in unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions maintain eyewash baths and safety showers in work... 

Cancer is the major latent harmful effect produced by ionizing radiation and the one that most people exposed to radiation are concerned about. The ability of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to produce cancer in virtually every tissue and organ in laboratory animals has been well-demonstrated. The development of cancer is not an immediate effect. In humans, radiation-induced leukemia has the shortest latent period at 2 years, while other radiation induced cancers have latent periods >20 years. The mechanism by which cancer is induced in living cells is complex and is a topic of intense study. Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce cancer at any site within the body however, some sites appear to be more common than others, such as the breast, lung, stomach, and thyroid. 

Pohl-Ruling, J. and P. Fischer, The Dose Effect Relationship of Chromosome Aberrations to Alpha and Gamma Irradiation in a Population Subjected to an Increased Burden of Natural Radioactivity, Radiation Research 80 61-81 (1979)... 

To a limited degree, the fill-gas will determine what type of radiation the proportional counter will be able to detect. Argon and helium are the most frequently used fill gases and allow for the detection of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. When detection of neutrons is necessary, the detectors are usually filled with boron-triflouride gas. 

Although the devices outlined above are the most commonly used for evaluating total alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, other methods and other devices can be used. In addition, local conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity) or the properties of the specific radionuclides emitting the radiation may make other types of devices or other methods more optimal to achieve the goals of the survey than the devices noted above. There, experts or individual vendors should be consulted to determine the appropriate measurement device for any specific application. 

The resistance to gamma radiation is excellent without significant degradation after more than 1000 Mrad, exceeding even the behaviour of polystyrene. With alpha and beta radiations, resistance would be higher than 10 000 Mrad. 

Use nuclear power, medical X-rays, medical diagnostics, scientific research, cancer treatment, cathode ray tube displays Source radon, X-rays, radioactive materials produce alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, cosmic rays from the sun and space Recommended daily intake none (not essential)... 

Radioactive material producing alpha, beta, and gamma radiation (laboratory workers, hospital workers, patients)... 

The inherent radioactive characteristics of the spent nuclear fuel condition determine many of the key processes to be studied. Owing to its energy content, spent fuel relaxes by transferring alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to water when contacting it. This originates what is known as radiolysis reactions. The key processes occurring at the spent fuel water interface are depicted in Fig. 8. 

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