Radiation and Biological Effects
It’s called all energy radiation that propagates as a wave through space. The radiation term is thus included, from visible light to radio waves and television (non-ionizing radiation), and from ultraviolet light or X-ray photon energy (ionizing radiation).
There are two types of ionizing radiation:
- electromagnetic, consisting of gamma rays, X rays and ultraviolet rays;
- constituted by subatomic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons).
Each atomic element is characterized by its number of protons, which is constant, but may have different numbers of neutrons, and the number of these is what defines the different isotopes of each element. Many isotopes are unstable and can change its mass number (sum of neutrons and protons) and particulate emissions. Depending on what type of particles emitted, we talk about alpha, beta or gamma, with different interaction on the subject.
Alpha radiation is held back in the outer layers of the skin, and is not dangerous, unless it is entered directly through wounds, food, etc.. Beta radiation is more penetrating, introducing one or two centimeters in living tissue. Gamma radiation or high energy electromagnetic radiation, is capable of penetrating deep into the tissues, yet releases less energy in tissue alpha or beta. they interact with atoms and molecules that are encountered in its path, which is much more harmful.
The radioactivity of an isotope can be measured and the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation in a given tissue.
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