20,059
edits
Changes
→Precautions
: Outside the body an [[organism]] can be protected from [[Alpha Particle|alpha radiation]] by keeping a distance greater than 5cm or by covering any bare skin.
: Inside an [[organism]] [[Alpha Particle|alpha particle]]s are the most dangerous as they are highly [[Ionising Radiation|ionising]] and there is nothing inside an [[organism]] to block them [[Ionising Radiation|ionising]] biological [[molecule]]s like [[DNA]]. Every precaution must be taken not to [[Radioactive Contamination|contaminate]] the skin with the [[Alpha Particle|alpha]] source in case it finds its way into the body through a cut or the mouth.
: When handling a source of [[Beta Alpha Particle|beta alpha radiation]] the precautions which should be taken are:
:*Wear gloves - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination|contamination]].
:*Use tongs more than 5cm long to handle the source, never touch it - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination|contamination]].
:*Aim the source away from any living [[organism]] - to prevent [[irradiation]].
:*Store the source in a sealed container - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination|contamination]] and [[irradiation]].