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Alpha radiation that is external to the body is not harmful because the particles are absorbed by a few centimeters of air or by the thin layer of dead cells on the skin. However, if an alpha-radiating substance enters the body by ingestion, inhalation, or other means, some of the body's internal tissues receive a high dose of ionizing radiation, causing significant damage

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Q: What are radioisotopes that emit alpha particles dangerous to soft tissues?
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Why are radioactive elements which emit alpha particles more dangerous outside the body than inside?

It is the opposite. Radioactive elements which emit alpha particles are more dangerous inside the body than outside. Alpha particle radiation could be stopped by skin. So, is not dangerous outside the body. However, any contamination by those radioactive elements if got inside through mouth, or any other means, then the alpha particle radiation could be harmful to the very delicate inside body tissues.


Why are alpha radiation are more dangerous inside the body than outside the body?

Because in the body alpha particles interact directly with the organism cells.


What is the relative danger of a 1.1 mev gamma ray and a 1.1 mev alpha?

From an external source the gamma is more penetrating so would be more dangerous. If ingested the alpha becomes more dangerous, as there is no shielding inside your body, and the alpha particles have more biological effect. Of course the size of the source also matters, but alpha particles are easily stopped when outside your body


What is the difference between Thorium 230 and Thorium 234 is one more dangerous than the other?

Thorium 230 is an alpha emitter with half life 75,380 years. Therefore it is dangerous if ingested. Alpha particles don't penetrate the skin, so it would not be dangerous to handle carefully, but if ingested alpha particles can damage internal organs. Thorium 234 is a beta emitter with half life 24.1 days. So 230 is the more dangerous.


What gives off alpha particles?

Alpha particles are a type of particle of radiation that is emmited by certain radioactive materials. The materials that give off Alpha particles are called ''Alpha emitters.''

Related questions

Charged particles that are given off by the nuclei of radioisotopes as they decay are called?

Either an Alpha particle or Beta particle depending on what isotope it comes from


Is there a material that reacts with either alpha or beta particles?

Alpha anf beta particles are two kinds of ionizing radiation. Their ionizing effect on materials and human tissues depends on their energies.


Why are radioactive elements which emit alpha particles more dangerous outside the body than inside?

It is the opposite. Radioactive elements which emit alpha particles are more dangerous inside the body than outside. Alpha particle radiation could be stopped by skin. So, is not dangerous outside the body. However, any contamination by those radioactive elements if got inside through mouth, or any other means, then the alpha particle radiation could be harmful to the very delicate inside body tissues.


IS Alpha particles dangerous in regards to external exposure?

Usually, no. Alpha particles may be able to cause a lot of damage if they can get inside you, but they can easily be stopped by a piece of paper.


Why does alpha and beta decay more commonly occur in radioisotopes?

Because the less protons are in an atom the quicker it decays.


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.


Why are alpha radiation are more dangerous inside the body than outside the body?

Because in the body alpha particles interact directly with the organism cells.


Three froms of radioactivity are?

Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Alpha and beta are both particles, but gamma is in the form of a wave. Gamma can travel the fathest but Alpha is the most dangerous when in contact with your skin


What is the relative danger of a 1.1 mev gamma ray and a 1.1 mev alpha?

From an external source the gamma is more penetrating so would be more dangerous. If ingested the alpha becomes more dangerous, as there is no shielding inside your body, and the alpha particles have more biological effect. Of course the size of the source also matters, but alpha particles are easily stopped when outside your body


Why materials that emit alpha radiation are more dangerous inside the body than outside?

Because in the body alpha particles interact directly with the organism cells.


What is the difference between Thorium 230 and Thorium 234 is one more dangerous than the other?

Thorium 230 is an alpha emitter with half life 75,380 years. Therefore it is dangerous if ingested. Alpha particles don't penetrate the skin, so it would not be dangerous to handle carefully, but if ingested alpha particles can damage internal organs. Thorium 234 is a beta emitter with half life 24.1 days. So 230 is the more dangerous.


What effect does humidity have on alpha particles?

Alpha particles can be absorbed by water.