Radiation Safety

• What does the risk associated with radioactive materials depend on?

  The amount and type of radiation
• How does alpha radiation compare to gamma radiation?

  Alpha radiation is more ionising but less penetrating
• What does the damage from radiation exposure depend on?

  The received radiation dose or dose equivalent
• In what unit is dose equivalent measured?

  Sieverts (Sv)
• What factors influence dose equivalent?

  Energy absorbed per kilogram and type of radiation
• What is preferred to minimize radiation dose in samples?

  Short-lived isotopes over long-lived ones
• How can the size of a radioactive sample affect safety?

  Smaller samples reduce radiation dose
• What precautions should be taken when using radioactive sources?

  • Keep sources shielded when not in use
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Keep personal items outside the room
  • Limit exposure time
  • Use long tongs for handling
  • Monitor exposure with detector badges
• What symbol warns about radiation hazards?

  The radiation hazard warning safety symbol

  
• How is gamma radiation used in radiation therapy?

  To destroy cancerous tumours
• What is the purpose of concentrating gamma rays on a tumour?

  To protect surrounding tissue
• What type of radiation is used to treat skin cancer?

  Less penetrating beta radiation
• What precautions should be taken for patients undergoing radiation therapy?

  • Protect with lead covering
  • Carefully calculate the exact dose
  • Direct dose accurately at cancerous tissue
• What precautions should radiographers take during radiation therapy?

  • Handle source remotely with tongs or machine
  • Be protected by a screen
  • Maintain distance from the source
  • Store source in lead case after use
• What are radioisotopes used for in medicine?

  As tracers to monitor bodily processes
• Why are short half-life radioactive tracers preferred?

  They pose a lower risk to the patient
• What is the benefit of a short half-life for medical tests?

  The test duration is shorter
• Why is Iodine-131 useful for thyroid conditions?

  It is specifically taken up by the thyroid gland
• What type of radiation does Iodine-131 emit?

  Beta particles
• What is the half-life of Iodine-131?

  8 days
• What is another commonly used radioactive tracer?

  Technetium-99m
• What type of radiation does Technetium-99m emit?

  Gamma radiation
• Why is Technetium-99m ideal for detection?

  It has an energy of about 140 keV
• What is the half-life of Technetium-99m?

  6 hours
• Why is gamma radiation ideal for medical imaging?

  It is the most penetrating radiation
• What is a common concern about using gamma radiation for sterilisation?

  It might cause equipment to become radioactive
• Why is gamma radiation suitable for sterilising medical equipment?

  • Most penetrating type of radiation
  • Can irradiate all sides of instruments
  • Sterilisation without removing packaging
• What must happen for a substance to become radioactive?

  The nuclei must be affected
• What does ionising radiation affect?

  Only the outer electrons
• How is radioactive material stored during sterilisation?

  It is kept securely sealed away