Radiation shielding uses materials to protect against ionizing radiation, which can cause cancer and mutations. There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Shielding materials include lead glass, lead aprons, and packed dirt. It is best to limit exposure and work at a safe distance from radiation sources.
Radiation shielding is the use of materials or devices to protect against ionizing radiation. Radiation occurs when energy is emitted from a substance and propagates in straight waves, possibly penetrating another substance. When this energy is absorbed, it can have the effect of exciting or destabilizing atoms. If a certain radiation enters an animal, it can have harmful effects on the body, sometimes resulting in cancer or deformity. Shielding uses specific types of material, such as a sheet of lead glass, lead apron, or packed dirt, to act as a barrier between your body and the radiation source.
There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is emitted by a radioactive atom or an atom that is unstable due to too much mass or energy. When ionizing radiation is absorbed by another atom, it can strip the atom of electrons, causing it to become electrically charged or ionized. An electron is a tiny particle, smaller than an atom, that carries a negative charge. The types of ionizing radiation, in order of ionizing strength, are alpha, beta, and gamma.
Non-ionizing refers to radiation that does not carry enough energy to strip electrons from atoms, but can excite the electron, making the atom less stable. There are two main types of non-ionizing radiation: neutrons and electromagnetic radiation. Neutron radiation results from an atom’s absorption of an uncharged subatomic particle called a neutron, often resulting in ionization. Electromagnetic radiation refers to self-propagating waves with electrical and magnetic properties. This classification includes radiation including light, thermal radiation, X-rays, and gamma waves.
Generally, more powerful energy corresponds to shorter waves, often requiring greater radiation shielding. Such safeguards typically target ionizing radiation, which can cause cancer and mutations. While there is less research into the effects of non-ionizing radiation on body tissue, there is evidence of harmful effects from excessive exposure to this energy. This is why X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women and why excessive sunlight can eventually cause skin cancer.
Several materials can be used for radiation shielding, as the goal is simply to keep the waves from penetrating the body. Alpha waves can be blocked with a thin material such as the layer of dead skin cells. Beta waves require thicker protection, such as a heavy suit. Gamma waves and X-rays need a dense shield, such as a wall of lead glass, lead aprons, or a thick wall. Fallout shelters, designed to protect people from radiation after a nuclear explosion, often use compacted dirt with positive results.
Radiation shielding is more effective the thicker and denser the barrier. Even so, it is best for people to avoid long exposures to radiation and to limit the amount of times they are exposed. Individuals should also work at a safe distance from radiation sources. In situations where a person must have contact with radiation, the acronym ALARP, “as low as possible”, is recommended.
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