RADIATION HAZARDS

Radiation is the transfer of energy either in the form of particles or

electromagnetic waves. Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of
radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom. The atom is comprised of
a nucleus, which is made up of positively charged protons and electrically
neutral (no charge) neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged
electrons. In an electrically neutral atom, the number of positively
charged protons and negatively charged electrons are equal.

Types of Radiation
1. Ionizing Radiation: A radiation that has sufficient energy to remove
electrons from atoms or molecules as it passes through matter.
Ionizing radiation includes:
 Alpha radiation: Alpha particle consists of two protons and two
neutrons. Their range in air is about 10 cm. They will not
penetrate through the dead layers of the skin. They can be
stopped completely by a piece of paper or by clothing worn.
Alpha source is not an external hazard to the body, but they
are an internal hazard if it gets inside the body through
ingestion or via a wound, etc. Once inside the body they
disintegrate, causing serious damage to the surrounding
tissue.
 Beta radiation: Beta particles are electrons, which are ejected
from the nuclei of radioactive atoms by disintegration. They
can penetrate into the human body from 0.2 to 1.3 cm and
can travel few meters through air. If they are deposited on the

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 skin for long periods, they could cause severe burns. Beta
emitters are internal radiation hazards when taken inside the
body. Beta particles can be stopped by the walls of a room or
by a sheet of plastic about 1.3 cm thick.
 Gamma radiation: Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation
of short wavelength that are deep penetrating. Due to the
deep penetration, they present an external exposure hazard.
They can travel many meters in air.
 X – rays: These are a form of electromagnetic radiation that
can pass through solid objects, including the body. X – rays
penetrate different objects more or less according to their
density. In medicine, X – rays are used to view images of the
bones and other structures in the body.

2. Non-Ionizing Radiation: A radiation that is not as energetic as

ionizing radiation and cannot remove electrons from atoms or
molecules. Examples: visible light, UV light, lasers, heat, radio
waves, infrared light microwaves, and radar.

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Radiation and radioactive material are a natural part of our lives and they
are emitted from various sources such as:
1. Natural: We are constantly exposed to low levels of radiation from
outer space, earth, and the healing arts.
2. Environmental: Low levels of naturally occurring radioactive
material are in our environment, the food we eat, and in many
consumer products.
3. Man - made: Some consumer products also contain small amounts
of man - made radioactive material
4. Medical: Radiation exposure usually results from:
 Diagnostic radiology, including diagnostic X-ray (Bone)
 Therapeutic radiology: the emission of radiation by patients
who are being treated with radionuclides
 Oncology (Cancer)
 Nuclear medicine in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
(Radioactive materials).

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Radiation Safety management
1. Obtain appropriate certification or permission for the use of the
specific radioactive substances by attending and passing special
courses on the use and handling of radioactive materials.
2. Personal protective equipment must be in place before the use of
any type of radioactive material. Appropriate lab attire should
include double disposable gloves, over-shoes, collar-type ankle-
length lab coat, eye-protection (glasses, goggles), facemask,
disposable head-cover, disposable gown, or apron.

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3. Always wear radioactivity-monitoring film badge whenever working
with radioactive materials.

4. Area used for radioactive work must be separate from the rest of
the lab with proper labelling of radioactive hazard warning.
5. The bench used for radioactive work must have double bench coat,
the top one must be absorbent
6. All equipment and materials (e.g. Pipettes, beakers, flasks, tubes,
water bath, mixers, centrifuges) used for radioactive work must be
labeled as such and should not be used for other purposes.
7. Monitor the work area before and after work with suitable
radioactive detector.
8. Wipe-off any radioactive contamination with a suitable detergent
and check for radioactivity

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 9. Dispose of radioactive waste as detailed in the waste disposal
section.
10. Never exceed the allowed limit of radioactivity assigned for
use
11. Deal with accidents promptly and report to safety officer
12. Radiation use will be labeled on door, work area & storage
area
13. Research laboratories work with very low levels of radioactive
materials
14. Safety officials can check for potential contamination prior to
work in a lab that uses radioactive materials
15. As a precaution: wear gloves, safety glasses and wash hands
Medical Treatment
1. External Decontamination
 Mild cleaning solution applied to intact skin
 Never use harsh abrasive or steel wool
2. Internal Decontamination
 Treatment which enhances excretion of radionuclides
Exposure Limits
Government agencies have established regulations that set acceptable
limits for exposure to radiation and radioactive material based on
extensive scientific research and recommendations from national and
international scientific organizations. These limits are designed to protect
individual workers, the public, and the environment.
The “System International” of units (SI system) for radiation measurement
uses the “sievert” (Sv) for equivalent dose. (1 Sv=100 rems, 1 mSv = 100
mrem)
The key U.S. limit for occupational exposure to radiation is 5 rems/year
(50 mSv/year) while the exposure limit to minors and the public is set at
100 mrem/year (1 mSv/year).
Exposure to radiation should be kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable
(A.L.A.R.A.). This can be achieved by:
1. Reducing the time of exposure to radioactive materials

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 2. Identify portions of the experiment that can be altered in order to
decrease exposure times
3. The greater the distance from radioactive material the less radiation
exposure
4. The use of tongs, tweezers and pipettes should be encouraged
5. Radiation shielding should be put in place and used where
appropriate. Shielding significantly reduces radiation effects.
Materials used for radiation shielding include plexi-glass and lead.
Exposure to radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the
adverse health effect of exposure may not be seen for many years. The
time after exposure until possible cancer formation is called the “latent
period”.
Exposure to radiation causes cancer of various organs which are:
1. Skin cancer
2. Spleen cancer
3. Pancreatic cancer
4. Leukaemia
Congenital abnormalities
1. Body deformities: Affect the foetus resulting in body deformities
(e.g. hands, legs, liver, eyes, fingers …etc)
2. Internal organs deformities: Affect the foetuses internal organs
resulting in internal organs deformities (e.g., lungs, liver, spleen …
etc.)
3. Genetic effect: results in gene mutation of the exposed person
which is transformed to his off-springs and many last for
generations

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