La, We have discussed previously the three types of radiation
hizards~ -nlpha and beta emitters, and gamma radiation. We call alpha
and beta emitters internal hazards because they can't do any damage
unless they get into the body through the digestive system or the
respiratory system, or through euts or breaks in the skin,
If, however,
they do get into the body, there isn't anything you can do to get them
out, and if you get over 40 micrograms of fission products fixed inside
it may eventdally kill you,
.
A microgram is
a
1,000,000
of a gram,
Therefore, it is essential that you do not cat or smoke, and that you wear
gas masks and protective elothing when in conteminatéd areas.
13,
Gamma radiation presents a different problem,
Since it is ex-
tremely penetrating there isn't much you can do except avoid getting too ~
much of it by distance from the blast or by shielding yourself against it,
The only good shiclds are heavy materials, such as lead, steel, concrete
and earth,
Uy,
For our situation we will shicld ourselves by distance.
Next Lesson:
Your next lesson will include details of detection
of radiation, accunulated and tolerance dosage, and practical decontamind~
tion,