IG Phy – Application of Isotopes and Safety Precautions(II)

Alpha particles are highly penetrating and can easily pass through the skin.

Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and can cause significant internal damage if not properly shielded.

Safety precautions for handling radioactive materials include using forceps to avoid direct contact.

Radioactive substances are safe for humans to handle without any protective measures.

Radiographers use shielding, such as lead-lined aprons, to minimize exposure to radiation.

Beta particles are suitable for thickness control of paper because they are completely absorbed by the material.

Smoke alarms use a radioactive source to detect smoke by ionizing the air.

Americium-241 used in smoke alarms has a half-life of 30 years.

In radiotherapy, gamma rays are used because they can be focused precisely on cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Using an isotope with a much longer half-life in cancer treatment would increase exposure time and damage to healthy cells.