Radiation+Shield


 * Radiation Shielding

Overview:** Radiation is used in our daily lives and often times we do not understand or acknowledge the extent that facilities, such as hospitals, go to in order to shield this radiation from harming the general public. This radiation is regulated in treatments such as procedures to help cure cancer patients and take x-rays, just to name a few. Alpha radiation can be stopped by paper. Beta by wood. Gamma by concrete/lead.

This shows how penetrating different types of radiation waves can be.

Alpha rays consist of two protons and two neutrons. They are identical in physical aspects to helium atoms. Alpha radiation can be stopped by something as thin as a piece of paper. Since the alpha rays are going so fast, the paper slows it down by causing multiple collisions with the atoms that make up the paper. The paper, or even the top layer of dead skin on a person, is thick enough to stop alpha particles from penetrating and being harmful. So the thin layer slows it down and makes it so that it is no longer harmful to the person.
 * Shielding alpha radiation:**

Lead lined telescopic view frames and lead glass are two examples of materials used to shield radiation in hospitals. There are three basic principles to radiation protection: time, distance and shielding. Reducing the time of exposure reduces the dose of radiation. For example, reducing the time of exposures might be to improve the operator training in order to cut down on the time they take to handle a source. Adding shielding can also reduce radiation doses. In hospitals and x-ray facilities the plaster on the walls contains barium sulfate. Medical staff also stays behind a leaded glass screen. They also wear lead aprons. Basically any material can act as a shield against radiation if used in large amounts, however some materials are better because of their cost effectiveness. Particle radiation is composed of a stream of charged or neutral particles. Beta radiation is more difficult to shield than alpha radiation; however, a fairly thin layer of aluminum will work. In cases where high-energy beta particles are emitted shielding must be accomplished with low-density materials such as wood or plastic.
 * Shielding beta radiation:**

Gamma rays have a wavelength of about 1 x 10^-10 m. Gamma rays are considered the most dangerous type of radiation because it can lead to things such as cancer, cellular damage, and mutations. Materials with thick enough masses to break down its intensity by at least 50% can shield gamma radiation. Materials that have higher atomic numbers and densities absorb gamma rays better. Gamma rays that can be reduced in half by 1 cm of lead can also be reduced in half by 6cm of concrete, or 9 cm of packed dirt. Gamma radiation with shorter wavelength requires thicker material to absorb it, while gamma radiation with longer wavelengths could possibly be absorbed by foil.
 * Shielding gamma radiation:**

Ashworth, William, and Charles E. Little. "gamma rays (biology)." //Encyclopedia of Environmental Studies//, New Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2001. //Science Online//. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin= envrnstud1354&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 17, 2008).
 * Resources:**

Daintith, John, and Richard Rennie. "Gamma Radiation." //The Facts On File Dictionary of Physics, Fourth Edition//. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. //Science Online//. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin= FDPF0826&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 17, 2008).

"Radiation Protection." //Wikipedia.// December 2007. http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_Protection.