Table 1-3 Beta Particles

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Table 1-3

Beta Particles

Small mass.

Physical

-1 charge or + 1 charge.

Characteristics

Short distance (one inch to 20 feet).

Range

Plastic.

Shielding

Glass.

Safety glasses.

Internal hazard (this is due to short range).

Biological

Externally, may be hazardous to skin and eyes.

Hazard

Insert facility-specific information.

Sources

3. Gamma rays/X rays

Physical characteristics

1) Gamma/X-ray radiation is an electromagnetic wave (electromagnetic radiation) or photon

and has no mass and no electrical charge.

2) Gamma rays are very similar to X rays. The difference between gamma rays and X

rays is that gamma rays originate inside the nucleus and X rays orig inate in the electron

orbits outside the nucleus.

3) Gamma/X-ray radiation can ionize as a result of direct interactions with orbital electrons.

b. Range

1) Because gamma/X-ray radiation has no charge and no mass, it has very high penetrating

ability.

2) The range in air is very far. It will easily go several hundred feet.

c. Shielding

Gamma/X-ray radiation is best shielded by very dense materials, such as lead. Water or

concrete, although not as effective as the same thickness as lead, are also commonly used,

especially if the thickness of shielding is not limiting.

d. Biological hazards

Gamma/X-ray radiation can result in radiation exposure to the whole body.