Topic 4 Background Raduation Amd Contamination Flashcards
What is background radiation
Low level radiation that is around us all the time
What should you always do with the back ground radiation
Measure it and subtract it from your result
What is radiation from space called
Cosmic rays and mostly come from the sun
What protects us from most cosmic waves
Earth’s atmosphere
What is radiation due to human activity
Fallout from nuclear explosions or nuclear waste
But this only makes up a tiny percentage of background radiation
What does a radiation dose tell you
The risk of harm to body tissues due to exposure to radiation
What is the radiation dose measured in
Sieverts
What is back ground radiation often measured in
Millisieverts
1sv = 1000 msv
What does back round radiation dose depend on
Where you live
What is exposure to radiation called
Irradiation
What does irradiating not do
Make something radioactive
What are ways to reduce the effects of irradiation
Keep sources in lead lined boxes
Stand behind Barriers
In a different room
Use remote controlled arms
What is contamination
Unwanted radioactive atoms get onto or into an object
Why might contamination cause you harm
Contaminating atoms might decay releasing radiation and cause you harm
Why is contamination especially dangerous
Radioactive particles could get inside your body
