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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is radiation?

Radiation is the emission of energy in the form of particles or waves. It can be ionizing (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma rays) or non-ionizing (e.g., radio waves, microwaves).

Natural sources (e.g., cosmic rays, radon gas, and terrestrial radiation) and man-made sources (e.g., medical imaging, nuclear facilities, and industrial applications).

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially damaging living cells and DNA, leading to health risks such as cancer.

Use the principles of time (limit exposure time), distance (stay as far as possible from the source), and shielding (use materials like lead or concrete to block radiation).

Effects depend on dose and duration. Low doses may have negligible effects, while high doses can cause radiation sickness, cancer, or death.

Public: 1 mSv/year1 mSv/year (excluding natural background and medical exposure).

Radiation workers: 20 mSv/year20 mSv/year averaged over 5 years, with no more than 50 mSv/year50 mSv/year.

 

Acute effects (e.g., nausea, skin burns) occur at high doses over a short period, while chronic effects (e.g., cancer) result from prolonged exposure to lower doses.

The lethal dose for 50% of exposed individuals (LD50) is about 4–5 Sv4–5 Sv without medical treatment.

Radiation is measured in terms of:

Activity: Becquerels (BqBq) or curies (CiCi).
Absorbed dose: Gray (GyGy).
Equivalent dose: Sievert (SvSv).

Common devices include Geiger-Müller counters, ionization chambers, scintillation detectors, and dosimeters.

A dosimeter is a device that measures cumulative radiation exposure. It is mandatory for radiation workers and recommended for people working in radiation-prone environments.

Yes, when medically justified. The benefits typically outweigh the small risks. Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.

Non-ionizing radiation from such devices does not have enough energy to cause ionization and is generally considered safe under normal usage conditions.

The key principles are justification (benefits must outweigh risks), optimization (ALARA—As Low As Reasonably Achievable), and dose limitation.

Alpha particles: Paper or skin.
Beta particles: Plastic or aluminum.
Gamma rays: Lead, concrete, or water.
Neutrons: Hydrogen-rich materials like water or polyethylene.

Leave the area immediately, minimize further exposure, remove contaminated clothing, and seek medical attention if necessary

Contamination occurs when radioactive material is deposited on or inside a person or object. Exposure refers to being in the presence of radiation.

Emergencies are managed through evacuation, sheltering, decontamination, and medical treatment. Emergency plans include communication and coordination with authorities.

KI tablets protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine during nuclear emergencies. Use them only when directed by authorities.

Background radiation is the natural radiation present in the environment from cosmic rays, terrestrial sources, and internal sources in the human body.

Not all radiation is harmful. Low levels of radiation exposure are natural and generally harmless, but high doses can cause damage to living tissues.

ALARA stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable,” a principle to minimize radiation exposure while achieving intended outcomes.

No, ionizing radiation is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Specialized instruments like Geiger counters are required to detect it.

Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-rays, and neutrons.

Shielding absorbs or deflects radiation, reducing its intensity. Material choice depends on the radiation type (e.g., lead for gamma, plastic for beta).

Proper safety measures ensure radiation workers are not exposed to doses above regulatory limits, minimizing long-term health risks.

It depends on the half-life of the radionuclide. Short-lived isotopes decay quickly, while long-lived isotopes may remain hazardous for thousands of years.

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay. For example, 60Co60Co has a half-life of 5.27 years.

Yes, but minimally. Passengers are exposed to higher cosmic radiation levels at high altitudes. The doses are low and not a significant health concern for occasional flyers.

Absorbed dose measures energy deposited in a material (GyGy), while effective dose (SvSv) accounts for biological effects and type of radiation.

Remove clothing, wash skin with soap and water, and avoid spreading contamination until properly decontaminated.

Stochastic effects, such as cancer, occur randomly and increase in probability with dose but have no threshold.

Deterministic effects, like skin burns or radiation sickness, occur above a threshold dose and increase in severity with dose.

Radioactive waste is segregated, stored, or disposed of in specially designed facilities, ensuring safety for people and the environment.

Techniques to reduce radon levels in buildings, such as improving ventilation or sealing cracks in floors and walls.

Workers use dosimeters to measure cumulative exposure, ensuring doses remain below regulatory limits.

Yes, because radiation can harm the developing fetus, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

Neutron radiation consists of free neutrons and is primarily found in nuclear reactors and some industrial sources.

Through government agencies, emergency alert systems, and public communication channels providing instructions for safety measures.

Events

News

In 1968 a group of scientists at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre concerned with radiation safety initiated a proposal to set up a professional association to promote safety in the manifold uses of ionizing radiation in the country.
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