Even though alpha particles are very energetic, they are so heavy that they use up their energy over short distances and are unable to travel very far from the atom. The way these large, heavy particles cause damage makes them more dangerous than other types of radiation.

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts: protons and neutrons, or, collectively, the nucleons. The binding energy of nuclei is always a positive number, since all nuclei require net energy to separate them into individual protons and neutrons.

Alpha particles can easily be shielded by a single sheet of paper and cannot penetrate the outer dead layer of skin, so they pose no danger when their source is outside the human body. Beta particles are essentially electrons emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom.

Radioactive materials that emit alpha and beta particles are most harmful when swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, or injected. Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”. Alpha particles cannot penetrate intact skin.

Alpha particles are highly ionising because of their double positive charge, large mass (compared to a beta particle) and because they are relatively slow. They can cause multiple ionisations within a very small distance.

Alpha particles

Gamma radiation

gamma rays

All types of radiation from nuclear decay can be stopped by aluminium if it is thick enough. Personal experience; at least 30 cm from Sr 90 isotope (beta source). Alpha particles can be absorbed by a thin sheet of paper or by a few centimetres of air. They can be stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium.

alpha radiation is the most dangerous because it is easily absorbed by cells. beta and gamma radiation are not as dangerous because they are less likely to be absorbed by a cell and will usually just pass right through it.

Gamma rays

Civilian dose rates in peacetime range from 30 to 100 µGy per year. Fallout radiation decays relatively quickly with time. Most areas become fairly safe for travel and decontamination after three to five weeks.

chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments cause aging at a genetic and cellular level, prompting DNA to start unraveling and cells to die off sooner than normal. bone marrow transplant recipients are eight times more likely to become frail than their healthy siblings.

Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.

• Close windows and doors.
• Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
• Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

Treatment for Radiation Side Effects

1. Get plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene.
2. Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
3. Take care of the skin in the treatment area.
4. Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area.
5. Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold.