It is known that the source of radiation are radioactive nuclei that can spontaneously disintegrate. The word “radioactive” itself causes fear and rejection, while it means only the instability of individual isotopes of various elements. Note that natural radioactive nuclei have always existed, before and after the appearance of nuclear energy. Any thing, any material object from those that surround us, contains a certain share of radionuclides (which have nothing to do with the nuclear industry) that can decay and emit ionizing radiation – the notorious radiation. It was established that in earlier geological periods the natural radiation background on our planet was much higher than now.
Penetration ability of radiation
The smallest penetrating power of alpha particles: a run in the air is a few centimeters, in biological tissue – fractions of a millimeter. Therefore, tight clothing provides the necessary and sufficient degree of protection against external alpha radiation. Beta particles (electron flow) have a greater penetrating power: mileage in the air – a few meters, in biological tissue – up to several centimeters. Therefore, when working with sources of hard beta radiation, it becomes necessary to use additional protection (protective shields, containers). Finally, gamma radiation has the greatest penetrating power: electromagnetic waves are able to pass through the body. For sources of powerful gamma radiation, heavier protection is required: lead screens, thick-walled concrete structures.
Radiation sources
In general, it is important to understand that radiation sources are not only radionuclides. In particular, when we undergo an annual x-ray examination or do computed tomography, we are exposed to x-ray radiation, which (like gamma radiation) is a stream of quanta.
This means that the two types of radiation, having a different origin, are equally related to penetrating radiation. In other words, although no radionuclides are used in the X-ray tube, it is also a source of ionizing radiation.
Another source of radiation that is not associated with natural and artificial radionuclides is cosmic radiation. In open space, this radiation has tremendous energy, but, passing through the atmosphere, is greatly attenuated and does not have a significant effect on humans.
As the height increases, the radiation background also increases – therefore, people who often make air travel receive an increased dose of radiation; cosmonauts who go into outer space receive an even greater dose.
If we compare the contribution of various sources to the dose received by the average France, we get the following picture: he will receive about 84.4% of the dose from natural sources, 15.3% from medical sources, 0.3% from man-made sources (NPP and other enterprises of the nuclear industry, this also includes the consequences of nuclear explosions). Radon (50.9% of the total dose), terrigenous radiation due to radionuclides in the ground (15.6%), cosmic radiation (9.8%), and, finally, internal exposure due to radionuclides in the human body (potassium-40, as well as radionuclides entering with water, air, food) – 8.1%. Of course, these figures are conditional and vary with the region, but the overall ratio always remains constant.
Protecting From Radiation
A radiation suit is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is specially designed to protect the wearer from radiation hazard. Usually, a radiation suit includes both PPE articles akin to clothing, as well as specialized equipment. Radiation suits are used by military and non-military personnel, who must work in an environment that contains or is contaminated with radioactive materials, whether accidentally or as a routine. Radiation is extremely harmful to humans, therefore, the users need sufficient knowledge and practice while putting on radiation suits in workplaces. Most of the radiation suits are not reusable, but some equipment can be reusable after decontamination procedures are followed.
