irradiation and contamination

• What is irradiation?


  Irradiation is exposing an object to nuclear radiation such as alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
• Why is gamma radiation used for sterilization?


  Gamma radiation is used because it can kill bacteria without heating the object.
• How is a syringe sterilized using gamma radiation?


  The syringe is placed in a sealed wrapper and near a radioactive isotope that emits gamma radiation.
• What happens to an object that is irradiated?


  The object does not become radioactive; it only comes in contact with radiation.
• What is the risk associated with ionizing radiation?


  Ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cancer in humans.
• What is the first precaution for workers dealing with radioactive isotopes?


  The first precaution is shielding to stop the radiation.
• How does alpha radiation differ from beta and gamma radiation in terms of penetrating power?


  Alpha radiation has very low penetrating power and can be stopped by gloves.
• What materials can be used to shield against beta and gamma radiation?


  Lead can be used to shield against beta and gamma radiation.
• What is the purpose of a radiation writer?


  A radiation writer measures how much radiation is being received by a person.
• What is radioactive contamination?


  Radioactive contamination occurs when unwanted radioactive isotopes end up on other materials.
• Why can alpha emitters be very dangerous?


  Alpha emitters can be dangerous if inhaled or swallowed, as they can damage DNA.
• How do beta particles compare to alpha particles in terms of ionization?


  Beta particles are less ionizing than alpha particles but can penetrate the body.
• What is the ionizing power of gamma rays compared to alpha and beta radiation?


  Gamma rays are only weakly ionizing and can pass through the body.
• What are the key differences between irradiation and radioactive contamination?


  • Irradiation: Exposure to radiation without becoming radioactive.
  • Radioactive contamination: Presence of radioactive isotopes on or in materials.
• What are the hazards associated with different types of radiation?

  • Alpha radiation: Strongly ionizing, dangerous if inhaled or swallowed.
  • Beta radiation: Less ionizing, can penetrate the body.
  • Gamma radiation: Weakly ionizing, can pass through the body.