radguide

Radiation for Radionuclide Users 4 Table of Contents Directory of Service and Emergency Providers 3 A. Introduction 7 B. Fundamentals of Radioactivity and Ionizing Radiation 9 Atomic Structure 9 Radioactive Decay 9 Half-life 10 Decay Law 11 Types Ionizing Radiation 12 Alpha Particles 12 Beta Particles 12 Gamma Rays 12 X-rays 12 Neutrons 13 Interaction of Ionizing Radiation With Matter 13 Mechanisms of Interaction 13 Characteristics of Different Types of Ionizing Radiation 13 Absorbed Dose 15 C. Measurement of Ionizing Radiation 16 Active Detection Methods 16 Gas Ionization Detectors 16 Scintillation Detectors 17 Instrument Operation and Calibration 19 Passive Detection Methods 19 D. Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation 20 Cellular Effects 20 Mechanisms of Radiation Damage 20