What Are the Safety Issues of Gamma Rays?
Gamma rays are one of the most dangerous byproducts of radiation, capable of causing long-term sickness and death, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They also occur naturally, so a small amount of exposure is not harmful.
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Identification
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Gamma rays are extremely high-energy particles emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. They are similar to X-rays but have a shorter wavelength, which makes them more penetrative.
Sources
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Natural sources such as soil and foods expose people to a trace amount of gamma radiation, as do such medical procedures as bone scans and cancer treatment, although these are safe levels, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Workers in radioactive environments receive a higher exposure, and their employers must monitor them to see it remains at safe levels.
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Effects
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Gamma radiation's speed and penetrating power make it the most frequent cause of radiation sickness, according to the EPA. Short-term high exposure can cause organ damage and death, while long-term exposure increases cancer risks.
Protection
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Protection against high levels of gamma radiation requires shielding made of a very dense material, such as lead.
Considerations
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At times, stolen or mishandled gamma-radiation-emitting equipment can enter the public. These are identifiable by the radiation symbol, a small black circle surrounded by three larger black blades on a yellow background, or by the name of a radioactive material. Alert your local radiation control program if you find such a device.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Justus Hayes
