Page 299 - Radiation Safety

PROTECTION AGAINST EXTERNAL HAZARDS

(SHIELDING)

Selection of shield depends on the types of radiation.

• Alpha particles lose energy rapidly in passage through

matter hence do not penetrate far. No shielding is

required.

• Beta radiation requires shielding of low atomic

number (Z) materials such as perspex, aluminium

and thick rubber for complete absorption.

• Gamma and X-Rays, the high density materials such

as lead, iron and concrete are good and normally

used.

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