Back ground radiation, gamma rays strelization and trackers

What are some natural sources of background radiation?

Cosmic rays, radon gas, and certain foods like bananas.

How does radon gas contribute to background radiation?

Radon gas seeps out of rocks and soil naturally and can accumulate in buildings, especially in basements.

What is a radioactive tracer?

A radioactive isotope that emits detectable radiation and is used to track substances in medical and environmental applications.

How are radioactive tracers used in medicine?

They are used to observe biological pathways, such as tracking blood flow or detecting tumors in procedures like PET scans.

How are radioactive tracers used in environmental studies?

Tracers are introduced into water or soil to track pollutants and observe how they spread through ecosystems.

Why is gamma radiation effective for sterilizing medical equipment?

Gamma rays can penetrate deeply, killing pathogens without requiring direct contact, and are effective on packaged items.

hat is food irradiation, and why is gamma radiation used for it?

Food irradiation uses gamma rays to kill bacteria and parasites in food, extending its shelf life and preventing foodborne illnesses.

What is an advantage of using gamma radiation for sterilization?

It sterilizes without heat or chemicals, making it safe for many applications.