Introduction to Radiation

March 2024
What is Radiation?
Radiation is odorless
• Radiation is the emission or
transmission of energy in the form
of waves or particles through space
or a medium.
• It's a natural process and can also be
produced artificially through human
activities.
• Radiation exists in various forms, Radiation is invisible
including electromagnetic waves like
light and radio waves, as well as
particles such as alpha, beta, and
gamma rays.
Natural vs. Artificial
Radiation
• Natural radiation originates from natural sources like
the sun, earth, and cosmic rays from space.
• Artificial radiation is produced by human activities
such as medical procedures, nuclear power plants,
and industrial processes.
Natural vs.
Artificial Radiation
Cosmic rays: 0.4 mSv/y
Chest X-ray:
• Radiation is a pervasive 0.3 mSv/y
force in our environment,
influencing various aspects
of our lives.
• Both types of radiation
contribute to our exposure Radiation from a Nuclear
levels and need to be Facility: Under 0.05mSv/y Food: 0.35 mSv/y
understood for proper Man-made Radiation Natural Radiation
management and safety
measures.

Earth’s Surface: 0.4 mSv/y

Natural Radiation
1. Earthly Radiation
• Earthly radiation includes sources like radon gas,
which emanates from soil and rocks, and
terrestrial gamma radiation from elements like
uranium and thorium in the Earth's crust.
 • Uranium series elements like uranium-238, thorium-
232, and radium-226 are present in building
materials such as concrete, bricks, granite, and
marble commonly used in construction and interior
design, including kitchen countertops and ceramic
tiles. While the radiation levels emitted from these
Natural materials are generally low and pose minimal risks,
prolonged exposure or inadequate ventilation in
Radiation enclosed spaces may require attention for occupant
safety.

Ventilate your home daily for at least an hour or leave a part of the kitchen window
open to prevent radon gas buildup.
Natural Radiation
2. Cosmic Radiation
• Cosmic radiation originates from space,
primarily from the sun and stars, and
interacts with the Earth's atmosphere,
contributing to our overall radiation
exposure.
Artificial
Radiation
• Human activities and
technology produce
artificial radiation.
• We encounter radiation
from various sources in our
daily lives, including
medical procedures like X-
rays and CT scans, nuclear
power generation, and
consumer products like
smoke detectors and
fluorescent lights.
Ionizing and Non-
Ionizing Radiation
• Radiation can be classified into
ionizing and non-ionizing types
based on its ability to ionize
atoms and molecules.
Ionizing Radiation
• Ionization is the process of
removing electrons from a neutral
atom.

• Examples: X-rays, gamma rays,

alpha particles, and beta particles.

A: Paper or Skin
B: Thin aluminum layer
C: A thick layer of lead
D: Thick concrete wall
Non-Ionizing
Radiation
• Non-ionizing radiation lacks the
energy to ionize atoms but can
still cause biological effects at
high intensities.
• Example: visible light, infrared
radiation, and radio waves.
 • Non-Ionizing Radiation
Hazard The hazard from non-ionizing radiation primarily stems from its ability to
cause thermal effects in biological tissues, generating heat that can
potentially lead to burns, tissue damage, and other health concerns,
especially with prolonged or high-intensity exposure. While many forms of
non-ionizing radiation are part of our daily lives and are generally considered
safe within specified exposure limits.

• Ionizing Radiation
The hazard from ionizing radiation primarily arises from its ability to ionize
atoms and molecules in biological tissues. This ionization process can
damage DNA and other cellular structures, leading to various health effects
such as radiation sickness, increased risk of cancer, and genetic mutations.
Ionizing Radiation
Exposure Type
The individual exposure is
divided into two parts:

• External: the radioactive source

is outside the human body,
mainly gamma.
• Internal: the radioactive source
is inside the human body (LLRD:
long-lived radioactive Dust).
Internal Exposure Routes

How do radioactive particles get into the

body?

Routes of Entry:

• Inhalation

• Ingestion

• Absorption

• Through a wound or a cut

To avoid it, we can take precautions such as wearing an appropriate mask, washing
foods thoroughly, washing hands well before eating, and covering wounds
Health Effects Radiation may:

Radiation exposure can have both

beneficial and harmful effects on human Cause DNA Damage
health.

Deposit Energy in the Body

Beneficial effects include medical
applications like cancer treatment and
imaging techniques.

Create Ionizations in the Body

However, excessive radiation exposure can
lead to acute effects such as radiation
sickness and long-term risks like cancer and
genetic mutations.
Safety Measures
Time Distance Shielding
• Implementing safety measures
such as time, distance, and
shielding can help reduce
exposure levels and mitigate
potential risks associated with
radiation.
Radiation Safety Tips
Ionizing radiation

• Avoid Overexposure to Sunlight: Make sure to

wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen
when going out during peak sunlight hours.
Radiation Safety Tips
Ionizing radiation
Ventilate Your Home
Ensure regular ventilation to
reduce the buildup of radioactive
gases like radon, which can
accumulate in enclosed spaces.
Be Informed about Radiation
Devices
During medical tests involving
radiation, consider avoiding
unjustified X-rays. Modern devices
are more precise, reducing the
need for re-imaging compared to
older devices.
Ask for alternative
Ask for alternative scanning
methods or tests to minimize
exposure.
Maintain Overall Health
Follow a healthy and balanced
lifestyle that includes good
nutrition, adequate sleep, and
regular exercise, as this helps boost
the immune system and maintain
overall health.
Radiation Safety Tips
Non-Ionizing radiation
Limit Cell Phone Use
Reduce the time spent on cell
phones, especially for long calls or
streaming content, to minimize
exposure to radiofrequency
radiation.
Use Speakerphone or
Headsets
When making calls, use
speakerphone mode or wired
headsets instead of holding the
phone close to your head to reduce
direct exposure to radiofrequency
radiation.
Keep Devices Away at Night
Avoid sleeping with electronic
devices, such as smartphones or
laptops, near your head to reduce
exposure to electromagnetic fields
during sleep.
Use Wi-Fi Safely
Place Wi-Fi routers away from
frequently occupied areas and turn
off Wi-Fi routers and other
electronic devices when not in use
to reduce constant exposure to
electromagnetic fields.
Radiation Safety Tips
Non-Ionizing radiation
Limit Screen Time
Reduce screen time on electronic
devices like computers, tablets, and
TVs, especially before bedtime, to
minimize exposure to blue light,
which can affect sleep patterns.
Choose Low-EMF Appliances
When purchasing household
appliances, consider choosing
models with low electromagnetic
field (EMF) emissions to reduce
exposure to non-ionizing radiation in
the home.