Irradiation and Contamination

• What is irradiation?

  Exposing an object to nuclear radiation
• What types of radiation can cause irradiation?

  Alpha, beta, gamma radiation, or neutrons
• How is gamma radiation used in sterilization?

  It kills bacteria on medical equipment
• Why is a sealed plastic wrapper used during sterilization?

  To stop bacteria from entering after sterilization
• What does the object not become after irradiation?

  The object does not become radioactive
• What is a major risk associated with ionizing radiation?

  It can increase the risk of cancer
• What is the first precaution for workers with radioactive isotopes?

  Shielding to stop the radiation
• How do different types of radiation vary in penetrating power?

  Alpha has low, beta and gamma have higher power
• What material is used to stop alpha radiation?

  Wearing gloves
• What is used to protect against beta and gamma radiation?

  Lead shields or aprons
• What does a radiation writer measure?

  How much radiation is being received
• What is radioactive contamination?

  Unwanted radioactive isotopes on materials
• Why is radioactive contamination more hazardous than irradiation?

  You have the radioactive source on or in you
• How can alpha emitters be dangerous?

  If inhaled or swallowed, they damage DNA
• What is the ionizing power of gamma rays?

  Gamma rays are weakly ionizing
• How do beta particles compare to alpha particles in terms of ionization?

  Beta particles are less ionizing than alpha
• What is the importance of peer review in scientific studies on radiation?

  It allows findings to be checked by others
• What are the precautions against radiation hazards?

  • Shielding to stop radiation
  • Using protective clothing (lead aprons)
  • Measuring radiation exposure with a radiation writer
• What are the differences between irradiation and radioactive contamination?

  • Irradiation: Exposure to radiation without contamination
  • Radioactive contamination: Presence of radioactive isotopes on or in materials
• What are the types of radiation and their hazards?

  • Alpha: Strongly ionizing, dangerous if inhaled or swallowed
  • Beta: Less ionizing, can penetrate the body
  • Gamma: Weakly ionizing, usually less hazardous
• What is the process of sterilization using gamma radiation?

  1. Place object in a sealed wrapper
  2. Position near a radioactive isotope emitting gamma radiation
  3. Use lead shielding to protect workers
  4. Gamma radiation kills bacteria without making the object radioactive