Table 1-3 Beta particles - hdbk1130cn20199

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Table 1-3

Beta Particles

Physical

Small mass.

Characteristic

-1 charge or + 1 charge.

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 originate 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.