Radiation Safety

What to Know About Nuclear and Other Radiation Sources

Radiation is a word often coupled with 'cancer', 'nuclear fallout', and other negative terms. What few people know is that radiation is actually commonplace in most households, as devices such as microwave ovens, cell phones, and light bulbs also emit some form of radiation.

The negative connection between radiation and death is common place in today's society as every form of death somehow seems to be connected back to some kind of radiation exposure. While one can't deny the effects of long term contact it is also a valid statement to say that as a society, we tend to blame things on our surroundings. For example, a baby that dies after an x-ray is immediately assumed to have died from radiation poisoning without even considering any other factors. Also, remember that radiation is radiation, no different when man made than it is when it's naturally occurring. It is important to examine all forms of influence when studying any negative happening, and educate yourself about anything you feel as a threat to your health or well-being.

As the term 'radiation' is so widely used, it is also important to know what exactly it is. One form, particle radiation, can itself be split into two forms: alpha particle and beta particle. These two kinds of particle radiation are emitted by certain substances, such as radium and plutonium. The good news is that neither of these particle forms are very tough and cannot travel far from their source, and alpha particles are actually not even strong enough to penetrate skin, although ingesting them can be a different ballgame.

The most common form of alpha particle radiation has become somewhat of a well-known term. Radon occurs naturally all over the planet, and government agencies say that more than half of a human's average radiation comes from the soil we all walk on. This is partially the reason in-home radon testing is important in many areas. Some parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been shown to have higher concentrations of the gas due to naturally occurring rock formations containing large amounts of uranium. However, since radon is a gas it is usually not an issue in a diluted form, but can begin to cause problems when say, trapped in a basement of other small space.

The other form of particle radiation, beta particle, is more common due to its widespread use in many medical treatments. Most people around the world do not even have to worry about this form unless undergoing some form of treatment, in which case your doctor can help you out with any issues. Other than that, beta particle radiation is hard to find, and usually will not be an issue.

All being said, there is no way to get away from radiation due to the fact that it completely permeates our world. It comes from the soil, the sun, the food we eat, and even particles in our own bodies. In fact, according to the Health Physics Society the average American is exposed to six times more natural radiation than man made. The best way to stay safe is to stay informed, and make smart decisions like wearing sunscreen and having your home tested to ensure you are minimizing your risk.

For a comprehensive repository of information on the topic of radiation, visit http://www.apnga.com. APNGA has an entire manual that describes and defines radiation and radioactivity.