Radon and its Significance in Uranium and Thorium Series

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What is background radiation?

Background radiation is the radiation that is present in the natural environment.

Name three types of radiations emitted by different radioactive materials.

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

What are the sources of natural background radiation?

1- Cosmic Radiation, 2- Terrestrial Radiation, 3- Internal Radiation.

List three sources of artificial (man-made) background radiation.

1- Radioactive Fallout, 2- Radioactive Waste, 3- Tobacco. Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest source of human-made radiation exposure?

Medical testing and treatment (like Medical X-rays). Signup and view all the answers

How does cosmic radiation reach the earth?

Charged particles from the sun and stars interact with the earth's atmosphere and magnetic field. Signup and view all the answers

What are cosmic rays primarily made of?

Protons Signup and view all the answers

Where do cosmic rays originate from?

Sun, outer space, other stars Signup and view all the answers

Why is the exposure to cosmic rays greater at higher elevations?

Absorption by atmosphere is lower Signup and view all the answers

What are the major isotopes of concern for terrestrial radiation?

Uranium and decay products Signup and view all the answers

Where does radon gas come from?

Decay of uranium and thorium in rocks Signup and view all the answers

How does radon gas enter the air?

Part goes into the surface soil Signup and view all the answers

What is bioaccumulation in the context of radionuclides?

Radionuclides accumulate in animals that ingest plants, feed, or water containing radioactive material. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of radioactive fallout discussed in the text?

Nuclear weapons tests. Signup and view all the answers

Which nuclides are mentioned as significant in radioactive fallout?

Strontium-90 and Cesium-137. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major radioactive substance found in tobacco smoke?

Lead-210. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a smoker inhales lead-210 from tobacco smoke?

Lead-210 is deposited on the surfaces of bones. Signup and view all the answers

Where is polonium-210 deposited in the body of a smoker?

Liver, kidney, and spleen. Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is the largest contributor to background radiation dose?

Radon Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all lung cancers in the UK are caused by radon exposure?

3 - 5% Signup and view all the answers

How is radon gas drawn into buildings?

Through cracks in the floor and walls, as well as any service ducts. Signup and view all the answers

Where does radon gas sink to within a building?

Cellars or basements Signup and view all the answers

Apart from cosmic and terrestrial sources, what other internal radiation sources do all people have in their bodies?

Radioactive potassium-40 (40K), carbon-14 (14C), lead-210 (210Pb), and other isotopes Signup and view all the answers

How can food gain radioactivity from radioactive elements?

Through roots of plants taking in radionuclides from the soil and radioactive particles settling onto crops from the air. Signup and view all the answers

What are the most important organs that can be affected by radiation exposure?

Bone marrow, Colon, Gonads, Foetus Signup and view all the answers

Why is irradiation of pregnant patients strictly controlled?

To reduce chances of birth defects. Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine the harmful effects of radiation?

Type of radiation, Radiation dose, Area of the body exposed, Sensitivity of affected tissues, Individual characteristics of the exposed person Signup and view all the answers

How does the average dose to the population compare between diagnostic uses and therapeutic uses of radiation?

Average dose to the population is far less than diagnostic uses. Signup and view all the answers

Why can individual exposures in certain treatments be many thousands of times larger than those in diagnostic radiography?

Because the number of people having radiotherapy treatment is much smaller. Signup and view all the answers