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What type of radiation is only a hazard when inhaled or ingested?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Although there are many forms of "radiation" when assessing radiation hazards we usually think in terms of just three forms of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. Of these, alpha radiation is only a hazard if a source is inhaled or ingested - the other two are a hazard even without inhalation or ingestion.
In general, external alpha radiation is not harmful since alpha particles are effectively shielded by a few centimeters of air, a piece of paper, or the thin layer of dead skin cells. On the other hand, if you inhale or ingest an alpha emitter, it can cause significant damage if the radiation is intense enough.
Beta particles (electrons) are more penetrating, but still can be absorbed by a few millimeters of aluminum. Whatever harm beta radiation can cause, it doesn't have to be inhaled or ingested to do it.
Gamma radiation is the most penetrating - that's the kind of radiation we usually think of using lead to shield us from. Again, gamma radiation is a hazard whether or not you inhale or ingest it.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Because of its low penetrating ability the type of radiation which is usually only a hazard when inhaled or ingested is?
Alpha Radiation
How is plutonium poisonous?
Plutonium has a chemical toxicity but the most important is the internal irradiation from inhaled or ingested plutonium compounds; for example only 20 mg plutonium inhaled can kill you.
Why is alpha radiation so deadly to humans?
It is only deadly if ingested. The skin will stop alpha radiation. It does not have much penetrating power. When inside the body it can cause cellular damage which can lead to cancer.
If you had a uranium pellet would you need one of those vests that they use during x-rays to block all the chances of being radiated?
Not necessary for natural uranium; the most energetic gamma radiation of natural uranium has an energy of only ca. 183 keV uranium; uranium is not so dangerous as a radioactive element. Uranium is more toxic - ingested or inhaled.
What are the different types of radiation?
There are Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-rays, radio frequecy and neutron radiation. Only Gamma radiation and X-rays are actually energy. Alpha particles - helium nuclei produced by radioactive decay, they are easily blocked, but harmful if ingested, inhaled, or allowed into the body through a wound Beta particles - electrons and positrons given off during decay or fission, they can be stopped by protective clothing and a mask; These can damage skin and produce a burn similar to a thermal burn Gamma radiation and X-rays - gamma rays are high-energy photons emitted during a fission and fusion and by fallout; like x-rays, which are distinguished by their source (electrons), gamma rays can result in whole-body radiation exposure Neutrons (neutron radiation) - large nuclear particles that have the potential to ionize multiple cells; they are emitted in large numbers during a fission or fusion reaction, and can create dangerously radioactive isotopes from common elements; they do not present a direct fallout hazard
Deadly radiation left over after a nuclear blast?
nuclear radiation, either prompt or in fallout. Can be any mix of Alpha, Beta, X-rays, Gamma, and/or Neutron.
What are beta and alpha rays?
Alpha: Highly ionising particles that can not penetrate the skin, smoke or most substances. It's only dangerous when inhaled or ingested. Beta: Is slightly less ionising but can penetrate air, layers of skin and paper. It's only slightly more dangerous than Alpha.
Which type of radiation may be stopped by protective clothing and mask?
Alpha radiation particles can only harm you if ingested into the body by way of inhalation or body fluid contact. Full body clothing and particle masks can protect you, and it can be washed off the skin if it gets on you (the primary purpose for decontamination showers).
Are Jonquils poisonous if ingested?
Only to animals.
Can white poop kill you?
Only if ingested
Why is polunium deadly?
Only if you went near it for a while or ingested it.
What is the least penetrating form of a reaction?
Alpha particles are the least penetrating form of radiation. However, that does not mean they are the least dangerous. Even though they can be stopped with only an inch or so of air, or even by our skin, if they are ingested and come into contact with sensitive body tissues, they can be dangerous, because they have the highest charge and the highest mass.
