Irradiation and Contamination

• Irradiation


  Exposing an object to nuclear radiation (e.g. alpha, beta, gamma, neutrons)
• Irradiation for sterilization


  • Gamma radiation from a radioactive isotope used to kill bacteria on medical equipment
• When an object is irradiated, it does not become radioactive itself
• Ionizing radiation


  • Can increase the risk of cancer in humans
• Irradiation process


  1. Place object in sealed wrapper

  2. Place near radioactive isotope in lead shield

  3. Withdraw lead shield to allow gamma radiation to irradiate object
• Radioactive contamination


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

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