Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is energy in the form of waves or particles that has enough force to remove electrons from atoms and emit particles and high-energy waves (radioactive decay).
Types of Radiation
Ionizing radiation sources may be found during demolition and construction activities such as tunneling, highway and road construction. These radiation sources can pose a considerable health risk to affected workers if not properly controlled.
Workers in construction are primarily exposed to natural radiation from the sun, cosmic rays, and naturally-occurring radioactive elements, primarily uranium, thorium, and potassium, and their radioactive decay products, found in the earth's crust. These elements emit alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Alpha Particles: Alpha particles, positively charge particles emitted in the radioactive decay of the heaviest radioactive elements.
The primary source of exposure for construction workers is radon, which naturally occurs in rock and soil. Radon can accumulate in crawlspaces, mines, tunnels, basements, and other poorly ventilated areas.
Beta Particles: Beta particles are fast moving electrons emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay. They travel considerable distances in air but can be reduced or stopped by a layer of clothing, but some beta particles are capable of penetrating the skin and causing radiation damage, such as skin burns.
Gamma Rays and X-Rays: Gamma rays are photons that can pass through several feet of concrete or a few inches of lead. Gamma rays can pass through the entire body. X-rays are high-energy photons produced by the interaction of charged particles with matter, and a few millimeters of lead can stop x-rays. Because of their many uses, x-rays are the single largest source of man-made radiation exposure.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
9-4. What is the primary source of exposure to ionizing radiation for construction workers?
You forgot to answer the question!