Ionizing radiation Neutrons

Initial ionizing radiation (neutrons and gamma rays emitted within the first minute)... 

General. A nuclear burst results in four types of ionizing radiation neutron, gamma, beta, and alpha. Neutrons and gamma rays characterize the initial burst while the residual radiation is primarily of alpha, beta, and gamma rays. Blast and thermal injuries in many cases will far outnumber radiation injuries. However, radiation effects are considerably more complex and varied than are blast or thermal effects. 

This section will deal briefly with some aspects of expls safety peculiar to neutron activation analysis expts. We are concerned here with a) the possible effect of the ionizing radiation dose on the energetic material which will cause it to be more sensitive or hazardous to normal handling as an expl, and b) the potential direct expl hazards involved in the physical and mechanical transportation of samples to and horn the irradiation source and in a nuclear counting system... 

Ionizing Radiation—Any radiation capable of knocking electrons out of atoms and producing ions. Examples alpha, beta, gamma and x rays, and neutrons. 

The numerical combination of protons and neutrons in most nuclides is such that the nucleus is quantum mechanically stable and the atom is said to be stable, i.e., not radioactive however, if there are too few or too many neutrons, the nucleus is unstable and the atom is said to be radioactive. Unstable nuclides undergo radioactive transformation, a process in which a neutron or proton converts into the other and a beta particle is emitted, or else an alpha particle is emitted. Each type of decay is typically accompanied by the emission of gamma rays. These unstable atoms are called radionuclides their emissions are called ionizing radiation and the whole property is called radioactivity. Transformation or decay results in the formation of new nuclides some of which may themselves be radionuclides, while others are stable nuclides. This series of transformations is called the decay chain of the radionuclide. The first radionuclide in the chain is called the parent the subsequent products of the transformation are called progeny, daughters, or decay products. 

As with other radioactive substances, exposure to its ionizing radiation can cause cancer. When ingested it tends to accumulate in the liver, kidney, and spleen causing radiation damage from the alpha particles. All operations and handling must be carried out in leak-proof boxes by mechanical means behind thick neutron shields. 

Inorganic acids (see Sulfuric acid and other strong inorganic acids, occupational exposures to mists and vapours from) Insecticides, occupational exposures in spraying and application of Ionizing radiation (see Neutrons, y- and X-radiation)... 

Ionizing Radiation, Part 1, X-Radiation and Y-Radiation, and Neutrons... 

IARC (2000). International Agency for Research on Cancer. Ionizing Radiation, Part 1 X- and Gamma (y)-Radiation, and Neutrons, IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 75 (International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France). 

SC 1-7 Information Needed to Make Radiation Protection Recommendations for Travel Beyond Low-Earth Orbit SC 1-8 Risk to Thyroid from Ionizing Radiation SC 1-10 Review of Cohen s Radon Research Methods SC 1-11 Radiation Protection and Measurement for Neutron Surveillance Scanners... 

In the case of neutrons (nonionizing radiation) the main effect is atom recoil if the energy momentum of the neutron is large enough. In diffraction studies being performed with thermal neutrons, very few defects are produced compared to ionizing radiations. 

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