29 Questions
Which type of radiation is typically emitted by cosmic radiation?
Gamma radiation
What is the largest source of human-made radiation exposure?
Medical X-rays
What is background radiation according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
Radiation present in the natural environment
Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?
Gamma radiation
What is one of the sources of natural radiation exposure mentioned in the text?
238U and 232Th
Which human-made source contributes significantly to radiation exposure according to the text?
Medical X-rays
What is the main cause of animals accumulating radionuclides?
Ingesting plants containing radioactive material
Which radionuclide concentrates in bone?
$^{90}Sr$
Where is polonium-210 deposited in the body when tobacco smoke is inhaled?
Liver, kidney, spleen
What is the main source of lead-210 in tobacco smoke?
Atmospheric deposition
Which activity results in over 90% of the total population exposure to man-made ionising radiation?
Diagnostic radiology (X-rays)
What is the main effect of the uncontrolled radioactive break-up of plutonium and uranium?
Accumulation of radionuclides in animals
Which gas is the largest contributor to background radiation dose?
Radon
What is the annual dose from radon in the UK approximately?
~ 1.3 mSv
How does radon gas enter buildings according to the text?
Through cracks in the floor and walls
Why does restricted ventilation increase radon concentrations within a building?
Radon is heavier than air and sinks into cellars or basements
Apart from cosmic and terrestrial sources, what other radioactive isotopes do all people have within their bodies?
Potassium-40 (40K), carbon-14 (14C), lead-210 (210Pb)
How can foods gain radioactivity according to the text?
Roots of plants take in radionuclides from the soil
Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the harmful effects of radiation?
Time of exposure
In terms of radiation exposure, why is irradiation of pregnant patients strictly controlled?
To reduce chances of birth defects
Why are individual exposures in certain treatments sometimes many thousands of times larger than those in diagnostic radiography?
To deliver a higher dose for therapeutic purposes
Which organ is NOT considered one of the most important organs affected by radiation exposure?
Lungs
What factors influence the harmful effects of radiation on an exposed person?
Age, gender, and underlying health condition
What is the primary origin of cosmic rays?
The sun
Where do cosmic ray particles interact to produce showers of lower energy particles?
Upper atmosphere of the earth
Which radioactive gas comes from the decay of natural uranium and thorium in rocks, soils, and building materials?
Radon
Where are low levels of uranium and thorium found in nature?
Soil, water, and vegetation
Why do people living in granite areas or on mineralized sands receive more terrestrial radiation?
Due to higher concentrations of uranium and thorium in the soil
Which isotopes are major concerns for terrestrial radiation?
Uranium and decay products like thorium, radium, and radon
Learn about the importance of radon in radiation exposure, its connection to uranium and thorium series, and the health risks associated with breathing in radon gas. Explore how radon contributes to background radiation dose and the increased risk of lung cancer.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
