irradiation and contamination

• Irradiation


  Exposing an object to nuclear radiation (e.g. alpha, beta, gamma, neutrons)
• When an object is irradiated, it does not become radioactive itself
• Ionizing radiation


  Can increase the risk of cancer in humans
• Precautions for working with radioactive isotopes

  • Shielding (e.g. lead) to stop radiation
  • Using a radiation meter to measure exposure
• Radioactive contamination


  Unwanted radioactive isotopes ending up on other materials
• Hazards of radioactive contamination

  • Alpha emitters can be very dangerous if inhaled or consumed
  • Beta particles can penetrate into the body and damage cells
  • Gamma rays can pass through the body but are usually less hazardous than alpha or beta
• Scientists publish studies on the effects of radiation on humans, and this process is called peer review