Tips on Radiation Safety

Radiation is energy that travels through space. Non-ionizing radiation is as common as visible light, but encompasses UV, microwave, RF and infrared sources. There are risks with these but even more serious risks with ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, Gamma-rays, radon and other radioactivity sources, including plutonium. There are various ways to ensure safety when a radiation source is controlled and its location known.

Radiation Protection Methods

• One thing to be aware of to limit radiation exposure is the time a person is exposed to it. The longer someone is exposed to radiation, the more exposure there will be, and the more risk that health effects will occur. Therefore, reducing the time of exposure to external radiation is important. This is not always possible, though, especially if radioactive material enters the body. If it does, then the only options are to wait for the body to eliminate the radioactive source or to wait for it to decay. All radioactive material has a half life, the time for half of it to degrade into a non-radioactive state. The half life is also an element of time in dealing with radiation.

  Distance is another factor. Depending on the energy and size of the radioactive source, the risk of exposure within a certain radius of it will increase or decrease. Usually, doubling the distance reduces exposure by a factor of four, and halving it increases exposure by fourfold. For professionals working at radioactive job sites, this is a valuable tool in assessing how safely they can work in relation to a radiation source.

  Shielding is also an important way to protect against radiation. It depends on the radiation, but various materials can absorb radiation between a person and the source. With Alpha radiation, for example, a thin piece of paper is adequate, or even the outer layer of human skin, but for more powerful Beta radiation, special heavy clothing is necessary, since it can actually burn the skin. Safety from gamma radiation, however, involves the use of thick, dense shielding. Lead is often the only viable barrier. The higher the radiation energy, the thicker the lead.

Radiation Safety Resources

• Ionizing radiation cannot be sensed by humans, yet can have severe health effects. There are many places to obtain safety information. An example is the Radiation Safety Manual from the Environmental Health and Safety Center. This document can be downloaded from the agency's website. The manual details dosage limits, both that are applicable and those that are as low as can be achieved. Annual dosage limits are given for total, organ, skin, extremity and eye dosage equivalents.

  Another strategy detailed here includes protection of workers from exposure. The use of chemical fume hoods, suitable for radioactive materials, and generalized rules, such as no eating or drinking to eliminate cross-contamination risks, and the use of protective clothing, such as gloves, laboratory coats, closed leg and foot protection, gloves, as well as eye protection serve to protect against laboratory radiation.