Non-ionizing radiation

DOE-HDBK-1131-98

General Employee Radiological Training

Student's Guide

There are four basic types of ionizing radiation; alpha particles, beta

particles, neutrons and gamma rays.

3. Non-ionizing radiation

Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove an

electron from an atom.

Types of non-ionizing radiation include: Microwaves, radio waves,

visible light, heat, and infrared radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation is not addressed further in this training.

4. Radioactive Contamination

Contamination is uncontained radioactive material in an unwanted

location.

5. Comparison of radiation and radioactive contamination

Exposure to radiation does NOT result in contamination of the worker.

Only in the case of an individual coming in contact with radioactive

contamination would there be a potential for the individual's skin or

clothing to become contaminated.