Background radiation, risk uses, fission fusion

• What is background radiation?

  It is the low level radiation that's around all the time.
• Why should background radiation be assessed and reduced?

  To minimize exposure to harmful radiation levels.
• What are the sources of background radiation?

  1. Radioactivity of naturally occurring materials in rocks
  2. Radiation from food (cosmic radiation)
  3. Radioactive materials in the air
• How does the Earth's atmosphere affect background radiation?

  It protects us from various sources of radiation.
• How is radiation dose measured?

  It is measured in millisieverts (mSv).
• What does the background radiation dose depend on?

  It differs based on where you live.
• What is the term for exposure to radiation?

  It is called irradiation.
• What does it mean when an object is irradiated?

  It means the object is exposed to radiation.
• What are some ways to reduce the effects of irradiation?

  • Keeping sources in lead-lined boxes
  • Storing behind barriers
  • Being in a different room
  • Using remote-controlled arms
• What does contamination refer to in the context of radiation?

  It refers to radioactive particles getting onto objects.
• What happens if unwanted radioactive atoms get onto an object?

  The object is said to be contaminated.
• Why is contamination particularly dangerous?

  Because radioactive particles could get inside your body.
• What should be used when handling radioactive sources?

  Gloves and tongs should be used.
• How does the seriousness of irradiation and contamination depend on the source?

  • Outside the body: beta and gamma are most dangerous.
  • Inside the body: alpha sources are most dangerous.
  • Beta sources are less damaging inside the body.
  • Gamma sources are the least dangerous inside the body.
• Why are beta and gamma sources considered dangerous outside the body?

  Because they can penetrate the body and reach delicate organs.
• Why are alpha sources considered dangerous inside the body?

  Because they cause localized damage in a small area.
• What is the importance of understanding how radiation affects our bodies?

  It helps us protect ourselves when using radiation.
• What are the risks associated with using radiation?

  • Radiation can ionise atoms, affecting molecules in cells.
  • Lower doses cause minor damage, leading to uncontrollable cell division.
  • Higher doses can kill cells, causing radiation sickness.
• What type of radiation is usually used in medical tracers?

  Gamma radiation is used.
• Why is iodine-123 used in medical tracers?

  It is absorbed by the thyroid gland and emits gamma rays.
• Why should tracers have a short half-life?

  So the radioactivity inside the patient quickly disappears.
• How is radiotherapy used to treat cancer?

  • High doses of ionising radiation kill cancer cells.
  • Gamma rays are directed carefully to minimize damage to normal cells.
  • Radiation-emitting implants can be used near or inside tumors.
• What is a consequence of using radiotherapy?

  It can cause significant damage to normal cells, making patients feel ill.
• What should be considered when using radioactive materials?

  • Weighing the benefits against the risks.
  • Tracers can diagnose life-threatening conditions.
  • Prolonged exposure poses future risks.
  • Perceived risk varies from person to person.
• What is nuclear fission?

  It is a type of nuclear reaction that releases energy from large and unstable atoms.
• What is the consequence of splitting a large, unstable nucleus?

  It releases a lot of useful energy.