MODULE 7:

IONIZING
RADIATION
By: Alexi Bernaldo
IONIZING RADIATION

Lecture: Ionizing Radiation

Purpose: To introduce basic concepts of ionizing radiation

and how this Ionizing Radiation affects the human health

Content:
> Basic principles of Ionizing radiations
> The Radionuclides (Alpha, Beta particles and Neutrons)
and the electromagnetic radiation (Gamma rays, X rays)
> Exposure to ionizing radiation
> The effects of ionizing radiation to human health
> Radiation Units
> Reducing Exposure
> Radiation Protection Program / WHO Program
> References
WHAT IS IONIZING RADIATION?

-It is a type of radiation that is able to disrupt atoms and

molecules on which they pass through, giving rise to ions
and free radicals.

-A radiation can be considered as ionizing if deposited

energy is high enough to ionize
the traversed material

-Particles and electromagnetic radiation released by the

decay of unstable atoms.
IONIZING RADIATION

Types – Radionuclides (Alpha particles, Beta particles and Neutrons).

Electromagnetic radiation (Gamma rays, X rays).
IONIZING RADIATION
ALPHA PARTICLES
>> Two neutrons and two protons
>> Charge of +2
>> Emitted from nucleus of radioactive atoms
>> Transfer energy in very short distances (10
cm in air)
>> Shielded by paper or layer of skin
>> Primary hazard from internal exposure
>> Alpha emitters can accumulate in tissue
(bone, kidney, liver, lung, spleen) causing local
damage
BETA PARTICLES
ALPHA PARTICLES
>> Small electrically charged particles
similar to electrons
>> Charge of -1
>> Ejected from nuclei of radioactive atoms
>> Emitted with various kinetic energies
>> Shielded by wood, body penetration 0.2
to 1.3 cm depending on energy
>> Can cause skin burns or be an internal
hazard of ingested
IONIZING RADIATION
GAMMA-RAYS
>> Electromagnetic photons or radiation
(identical to x-rays except for source)
>> Emitted from nucleus of radioactive
atoms – spontaneous emission
>> Emitted with kinetic energy related to
radioactive source
>> Highly penetrating – extensive shielding
required
>> Serious external radiation hazard
X-RAYS
ALPHA PARTICLES
>> Overlap with gamma-rays
>> Electromagnetic photons or radiation
>> Produced from orbiting electrons or free
electrons – usually machine produced
>> Produced when electrons strike a target
material inside and x-ray tube
>> Emitted with various energies &
wavelengths
>> Highly penetrating – extensive shielding
required
>> External radiation hazard
>> Discovered in 1895 by Roentgen
EXPOSURE TO
IONIZING
RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATION

Radiation exposure can be internal or external, and it can occur through a

variety of exposure pathways.

EXTERNAL INTERNAL
IONIZING RADIATION
INTERNAL
Internal ionizing radiation exposure occurs
when a radionuclide is inhaled, ingested, or
otherwise enters the bloodstream (for
example, by injection or through wounds).
Internal exposure is terminated when the
radionuclide is eliminated from the body,
either naturally (via excreta) or as a result
of treatment.
EXTERNAL
ALPHA PARTICLES
External exposure can occur when
radioactive material in the air (such as
dust, liquid, or aerosols) is deposited
on the skin or clothing. This type of
radioactive material is frequently
removed from the body by washing.
IONIZING RADIATION

• Ionizing radiation exposure can also occur as a result of irradiation from an external source, such as
medical radiation exposure from X-rays. When the radiation source is shielded or the person moves
outside the radiation field, external irradiation ceases.
• People can be exposed to ionizing radiation in a variety of settings, including at home or in public
places (public exposures), at work (occupational exposures), or in a medical setting (as are
patients, caregivers, and volunteers).

• Medical radiation uses accounts for 98 percent of all artificial source population dose contribution
and 20 percent of total population exposure. Every year, over 3600 million diagnostic radiology
examinations are performed worldwide, 37 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed,
and 7.5 million radiotherapy treatments are administered.
 IONIZING
RADIATION HEALTH
EFFECTS
IONIZING RADIATION

Depending on their job duties, workers may be

exposed to ionizing radiation in a variety of ways. The
health effects of radiation dose vary depending on the
type of radiation emitted, the radiation dose received
by a worker, and the body parts exposed, among other
factors. Ionizing radiation can harm cells and genetic
material when it interacts with them (i.e.,
deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). If not repaired
properly, this damage can lead to cell death or
potentially harmful changes in the DNA (i.e.,
mutations).
IONIZING RADIATION

Ionizing activity has the ability to change molecules within our bodies' cells. That
action may result in future harm (such as cancer). Ionizing radiation exposure can
cause skin and tissue damage. Children and adolescents are at a higher risk because
they are significantly more sensitive to radiation exposure than adults.

Epidemiological studies on radiation-exposed populations, such as atomic bomb

survivors or radiotherapy patients, revealed a significant increase in cancer risk at
doses greater than 100 mSv. Recent epidemiological studies in children exposed to
medical exposures (pediatric CT) have suggested that cancer risk may increase even
at lower doses (between 50-100 mSv).

Prenatal ionizing radiation exposure may cause brain damage in fetuses after an
acute dose of more than 100 mSv between weeks 8-15 of pregnancy and 200 mSv
between weeks 16-25 of pregnancy. Human studies conducted before or after week
8 of pregnancy have found no evidence of fetal brain development risk from
radiation. According to epidemiological studies, the cancer risk after fetal radiation
exposure is similar to the risk after early childhood exposure
IONIZING RADIATION

RADIATION UNITS

>> Exposure – X (coul/kg)

(Related to energy)

>> Absorbed Dose – Gray (Gy)

(amount of energy absorbed)

>> Equivalent Dose – Sievert (Sv)

(makes different sources of radiation equivalent)
IONIZING RADIATION

REDUCING EXPOSURE

• Time
Reduce the spent near the source of radiation.

• Distance
Increase the distance from the source of radiation.

• Shielding
Place shielding material between you and the source of radiation.
 IONIZING RADIATION
Radiation Protection Program
It is best practice to develop and implement a radiation
protection program to protect workers from ionizing
radiation. A radiation protection program is typically
overseen by a qualified expert (e.g., a health
physicist), also known as a radiation safety officer
(RSO).
A radiation safety committee, comprised of the RSO, a
management representative, and workers who work
with radiation-producing equipment, radiation sources,
or radioactive materials, is another best practice (or
who are otherwise at risk of exposure on the job).
WHO Program
The World Health Organization has established
a radiation program to protect patients,
workers, and the general public from the health
risks of radiation exposure in planned,
existing, and emergency exposure situations.
This program focuses on the public health
aspects of radiation protection and includes
activities such as radiation risk assessment,
management, and communication.
IONIZING RADIATION

REFERENCES

Ionizing radiation, health effects and protective measures. (2016, April 29). https://www.who.int/news-
room/fact-sheets/detail/ionizing-radiation-health-effects-and-protective-measures

The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Ionizing Radiation. (2021, June 29).

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/ionizing_radiation.html#:~:text=Ionizing%20activity%20can
%20alter%20molecules,produce%20skin%20or%20tissue%20damage.

Safety and Health Topics Ionizing Radiation. https://www.osha.gov/ionizing-radiation/control-

prevention