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Gamma emitting radionuclides are the most widely used radiation sources. The penetrating power of gamma rays has many applications. However, while gamma rays penetrate many materials, this does not make them radioactive.

Can objects become radioactive?

The only type of radiation that is capable of directly causing other material to become radioactive is neutron radiation, which is generally only found inside nuclear reactors or in a nuclear detonation.

Can bombarding an object with gamma rays make it radioactive?

For most radiations that people, especially laypeople, encounter, which would include x rays, gamma radiation, beta particles, and alpha particles, the exposure of the people or objects to the radiation does not produce any radioactivity within them.

Are gamma rays harmful?

Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”. Alpha particles cannot penetrate intact skin. Gamma and x-rays can pass through a person damaging cells in their path.

What are some effects of gamma radiation?

The extremely high energy of gamma rays allows them to penetrate just about anything. They can even pass through bones and teeth. This makes gamma rays very dangerous. They can destroy living cells, produce gene mutations, and cause cancer.

Can a human be radioactive?

Yes, our bodies are naturally radioactive, because we eat, drink, and breathe radioactive substances that are naturally present in the environment.

Why is Chernobyl still radioactive?

“Based on the information that we have, there is no imminent threat of large releases of radioactivity,” Nesbit said. The reason for that, he explained, is that the radioactive material is in a stable situation. The spent fuel has been removed from the reactors and is maintained either in cooling ponds or dry storage.

How are things made radioactive?

Radioactivity is the process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays and conversion electrons Although radioactivity is observed as a natural occurring process, it can also be artificially induced typically via the bombarding …

Can water become radioactive?

Radiation can enter the water supply due to both natural and man-made sources. Small traces of radioactivity are found in nearly all drinking water, but many people are concerned about the potential dangers of potential pollutants from nuclear energy plants, laboratories, and other sources.

Can gamma radiation penetrate skin?

Gamma rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body. They can easily penetrate barriers that can stop alpha and beta particles, such as skin and clothing. Gamma rays have so much penetrating power that several inches of a dense material like lead, or even a few feet of concrete may be required to stop them.