radioactive contamination + dangers + irradiation

what is radioactive contamination?

being exposed to the unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive nuclei

what affects the hazard level of the contaminating nuclei?

type of radiation emitted

what are the dangers of radiation?

• gene and DNA mutations

  • which can be passed onto offspring and result in tumours or cancer

• damage to the cell membrane

what is irradiation?

the process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation

does the irradiated object become radioactive

no

how is irradiation used?

• extend shelf life

• sterilisation

• pathogen reduction

• sprout inhibition

• quarantine reduction of food

• sterilisation of surgical equipment

what are the dangers of irradiation and contamination?

• high doses can kill living cells

• lower doses cause ionisation of living cells

  • leading to mutations and cancer

how can exposure to ionising radiation be reduced?

• maintaining a safe distance from the radioactive source

  • using tongs to handle the material

• minimising exposure time

• using shielding

  • lead aprons, concrete/brick walls between sources and personnel