Beta particles cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Module 1: Radiological Fundamentals

Instructor's Notes

3) The beta particle ionizes target atoms due to the force between

itself and the electrons of the atom. Both have a charge of

minus one.

Range

1) Because of its charge, the beta particle has a limited

penetrating ability.

2) The range in air of beta particles depends on the energy of the

beta particle. In the case of tritium (H-3), the range is only an

inch; in the case of phosphorous-32 (P-32) or strontium-90 (Sr-

90), the range is 20 feet in air.

Shielding

Beta particles are typically shielded by plastic, glass, or safety

1) If ingested or inhaled, a beta emitter can be an internal hazard

when the source of the beta radiation is in close contact with

body tissue and can deposit energy in a small volume of living

body tissue.

2) Externally, beta particles are potentially hazardous to the skin

and eyes.

3) Provide facility-specific information on the additional risks or

concerns from high-energy beta sources (e.g., P-32, Y-90), as

appropriate.

Sources

(Insert facility-specific information.)