BACK TO BASICS
Do you know anyone who ' d like to learn a bit more about radiation protection? This cut-out sheet will help.
Differences between Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation Radiation can be particulate or electromagnetic and its interaction with matter is dependent on the radiation ' s energy. If radiation has enough energy, it can strip electrons from atoms or break molecular bonds, creating charged particles called ions. This highly energetic radiation is called ionising radiation. Examples of ionising radiation are alpha, beta and neutron( particulate); and X-rays and gamma radiation( electromagnetic).
At lower energies, the interaction of radiation with matter can excite an atom ' s electrons to a higher state or cause atoms / molecules to vibrate – but importantly the atoms and molecules remain intact so no ions are produced. This is called non-ionising
Hazard
Natural Sources
Examples of use
Ionising Radiations
Exposures to be kept As Low As Reasonably Practicable( ALARP)
Radioactivity cannot be ' turned off’
Amount of penetration of matter depends on type of radiation
Contamination hazard from unsealed radioactive materials
Radon Rock and building materials Cosmic radiation Radiation from food Smoke detectors Antiques containing radioactive materials Tritium in watches / compasses X-ray / CT scans Radiotherapy Non Destructive Testing( X-ray / Gamma) Nuclear power production radiation. Examples of non-ionising radiation include radio waves and optical radiation( all electromagnetic).
The boundary between ionising and nonionising radiation falls within the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Non-Ionising Radiations Exposures to be kept below legal limits
Low levels can be a hazard to people at particular risk( medical devices, etc.)
Sources can be turned off
Can penetrate matter – more penetration at lower frequencies
No contamination hazard
Sun Lightning Earth ' s electric and magnetic fields
Wireless devices( e. g. 2 / 3 / 4 / 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth)
Power tools Laser pointers / lighting MRI scans Sterilising( UV)
Non Destructive Testing( Magnetic Particle Inspection / laser interferometry
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40 Radiation Protection Today www. srp-rpt. uk