Radioactive radiation is divided into different types.The main similarity is that they are all high-energy exhibit a biological effect when ionization, followed by chemical reactions in the structures of the living cells, resulting in their death.Our senses do not perceive ionizing radiation: we do not see it, do not hear or feel the effects on our body.
radioactive radiation was charged and uncharged particles and photons.The world's population meet with them on a daily basis.The first is the background radiation, which is made up of three components:
- cosmic radiation coming to the Earth from space;
- radiation from natural radionuclides building materials, air and water;
- ionizing radiation from natural substances that come into our bodies with food and water, fixed tissue and accumulate in the body for life.
Man, moreover, is exposed to artificial radiation, which is widely used in the national economy.In the medical field, for example, ionizing radiation is used very widely.
radioactive radiation and its types
In order to effectively protect against ionizing radiation, should be well aware of its views and the property.Radioactive radiation can be divided into two main groups: electromagnetic and corpuscular.
X-ray and g-radiation refers to a wide range of electromagnetic waves, they arranged for the radio waves, light and ultraviolet rays.They differ only in wavelength.The shortest wavelength and accordingly, the highest frequency in the spectrum of electromagnetic waves of the electromagnetic waves belong g- and X-rays.With a shorter wavelength, higher energy radiation, as well as the penetration ability.
sun - a source of X-rays are partially absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.They also generated some machines (accelerators) for the diagnosis of patients.
Gamma rays are produced by nuclear reactions and decay of radioactive substances.It easily passes through the human body.
beta radiation is called the flow of electrons and positrons, the particles have an elementary negative (electron) or positive (positron) charge.They arise from the radioactive decay of nuclei and atoms emitted therefrom.Can penetrate the water layer thickness of 1-2 cm. The irradiation of beta-particles on exposed skin are formed radiation burns, and when ingested with food, air and water exposure takes place in the body and lead to serious radiation damage.
Alpha radiation is called the flow of positively charged heavy particles that are heavier than beta particles 7300 times.These particles are emitted in the decay time of certain elements, but high ionizing ability to penetrate into tissue of the human body to a small depth, affecting only the skin surface.Plain paper protect against their effects.
neutrons - it does not carry the charge of the particle, however, when an emergency are essential, having a strong penetrating power.From neutron radiation protect materials containing hydrogen (paraffin, polyethylene).
Biological effects of radiation
All measures that protect against ionization, based on knowledge of the specific type of radiation, their penetrating power.
Radioactive radiation affects the body follows.
- Ionizing radiation cunningly that never felt.Dosimetric instruments - is a kind of additional authorities, which are intended for the perception of radiation.
- Explicit lesions of the skin, malaise, typical of radiation sickness, do not appear immediately, but only after some time;dose summed hidden.
