Background Radiation and Contamination
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What is background radiation?
The low-level radiation that is around us all the time
Describe the origins of background radiation.
Sources that background radiation comes from include: • Radioactivity of naturally occurring unstable isotopes which are all around us • Radiation from space • Radiation due to human activity
(Exam-style question)
Any three from: • Rocks • Cosmic rays • Nuclear waste • Nuclear power stations • Buildings • Food • Radon • Sun • Medical / X-rays
Explain the difference between contamination and irradiation.
• Contamination is when unwanted radioactive particles get onto an object • Irradiation is when an object is exposed to radiation
(Exam-style question) A scientist is using a low activity radioactive sample. Give one example of how they can protect themself from irradiation and one example of how they can protect themself from contamination.
For irradiation: • Use shielding / stand behind barriers • Work in a different room to the source • Store sample in lead-lined box For contamination: • Wear gloves • Handle source with tongs • Wear protective suit or mask
What causes tissue damage?
Ionising radiation that damages cells
(Exam-style question) Explain what can happen to the body if a person has a prolonged exposure to gamma rays.
• Because gamma rays are ionising, they cause damage to cells • This can give rise to mutations which can lead to cancer
What is the effect of a high dose of ionising radiation?
It kills cells completely, causing radiation sickness