Lesson 6 - Contamination vs Irradiation

What is background radiation?

background radiation is the low-level ionising radiation all around us

What is radiation dose?

the radiation dose tells you the risk of harm to body tissues due to exposure to radiation

What is the unit of radiation dose?

sieverts (Sv)

How many microsieverts is one microsievert?

1 Sv = 1000 mSv

What is the main source of background radiation?

radon gas in the air

What are other sources of background radiation?

medical, ground, food and drink, space, nuclear weapons, air travel and nuclear reactors

What is irradiation?

Irradiation exposes an object to ionising radiation

Does the object become radioactive during irridation?

no

What is irradiation mostly used for?

to kill bacteria

What is contamination?

the unwanted presence of radioactive nuclei on other substances

What are an example of contamination?

ingesting radioactive material

What is are some examples of irradiation?

radiotherapy, sterilisng surgical instruments