What is radiation?
Radiation refers to the energy that moves from one place to another in the form of waves or particles. We are exposed to various types of radiation in our daily lives. Some of the most common sources of radiation include the sun, microwaves, and radios listened to in cars. Most of these radiation has no impact on our health, but some radiation can pose risks to us. Generally speaking, radiation has a lower risk at low doses and a higher risk at high doses. Depending on the type of radiation, different measures must be taken to protect our body and environment from its effects, but at the same time, we can also benefit from many applications of radiation.
What are the benefits of radiation—— Some examples

Health: Radiation provides many conveniences for our medical treatment, such as many cancer treatments and diagnostic imaging methods.

 

Energy: Radiation enables us to produce electricity through technologies such as solar and nuclear energy.

 

Environment and climate change: Radiation can be used to treat wastewater or create new plant species resistant to climate change.

Industry and Science: Using radiation based nuclear technology, scientists can inspect past objects or produce materials with excellent properties in fields such as the automotive industry.

If radiation is beneficial, why should we protect ourselves from the effects of radiation?
Radiation has many beneficial applications, but like other things, if there are risks in use, specific actions need to be taken to protect humans and the environment. Different types of radiation require different protective measures. The low-energy form known as "non ionizing radiation" may require less protective measures than high-energy "ionizing radiation". According to its mission, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established standards for the protection of humanity and the environment regarding the peaceful use of ionizing radiation.

Types of radiation

Non ionizing radiation

Some examples of non ionizing radiation include visible light, radio waves, and microwaves.

Non ionizing radiation is radiation with lower energy, and its energy is insufficient to separate electrons from atoms or molecules, whether in matter or living organisms. However, its energy can cause these molecules to vibrate, thereby generating heat. This is the working principle of a microwave oven.

For most people, non ionizing radiation does not pose a risk to their health. However, workers who frequently come into contact with non ionizing radiation sources may need to take special measures to protect themselves, such as addressing the heat generated by some radiation.

Other examples of non ionizing radiation include radio waves and visible light. Visible light is a type of non ionizing radiation that the human eye can perceive. Radio waves are invisible to our eyes and other senses, but they can be decoded by traditional radios.

Ionizing radiation

Some examples of ionizing radiation include the use of gamma rays（ γ） Radiation therapy for cancer, X-rays, and radiation emitted by certain materials used in nuclear power plants.

Ionizing radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that can separate electrons from atoms or molecules, causing changes at the atomic level when interacting with substances including living organisms. This change usually involves the production of ions (charged atoms or molecules) - hence referred to as "ionizing" radiation.

In high doses, ionizing radiation can damage cells or organs in our body, even leading to death. This radiation has many beneficial applications, such as in energy production, industry, research, and medical diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, when the use and dosage are correct and necessary protective measures are taken. Although regulating the use of radiation sources and radiation protection is a national responsibility, the IAEA provides support to legislators and regulators through a comprehensive international safety standards system, aimed at protecting workers and patients, as well as the public and the environment from the potential harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

The wavelengths of non ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation are different, which is directly related to their energy strength

The Science Behind Radioactive Decay and Its Production of Radiation
For example, ionizing radiation can come from unstable (radioactive) atoms, as they release energy while transitioning to a more stable state.

Most atoms on Earth are stable, mainly due to the balance of the composition of their core (or nucleus) particles (neutrons and protons). However, there are also some types of atoms that are unstable, and the number of protons and neutrons in their nuclei makes it impossible for them to keep these particles together. This unstable atom is called a "radioactive atom". When radioactive atoms decay, they emit ionizing radiation (e.g α Particles β Particles γ The release of energy in the form of radiation or neutrons can bring various benefits if safely controlled and used.

The process of radioactive atoms becoming more stable by releasing particles and energy is called "radioactive decay".

What is the most common type of radioactive decay? How do we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of radiation generated from this?
There are various types of radioactive decay that lead to ionizing radiation, depending on the type of particles or waves released when the atomic nucleus becomes stable. The most common type is α Particles β Particles γ Radiation and neutrons.

Alpha（ α） radiation

Alpha（ α） decay

 

α In radiation, decaying nucleons release heavy, positively charged particles to become more stable. These particles cannot penetrate our skin and cause damage, and often can be blocked by using a piece of paper.
However, if α Radiation materials enter the body through respiration and diet, and they will be directly exposed to the internal tissues of the human body, thereby damaging health.
Americium-241 is a substance that is released through α An atomic instance of particle decay, used in smoke detectors around the world.

Beta（ β） radiation

Beta（ β） decay

 

Stay β In radiation, atomic nuclei release smaller particles (electrons) with a penetration force greater than α Particles are stronger, depending on their energy, and they can pass through, for example, 1-2 centimeters of water. Generally speaking, a few millimeters thick aluminum plate can prevent β Radiation.

Some launches β The unstable atoms of radiation include hydrogen-3 (tritium) and carbon-14. Tritium is used for emergency lights, such as marking exits in the dark. This is because it comes from tritium β Radiation causes the phosphor material to shine when interacting with radiation, without the need for electricity. Carbon-14 is used to determine the date of past objects.

Gamma（ γ） radial

Gamma（ γ） Ray

γ X-rays have various uses, belonging to electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays that can be used for cancer treatment. Some γ Radiation passes directly through the human body without causing harm, while others are absorbed by the body and may cause damage. By constructing thick walls made of concrete or lead, we can γ The intensity of the radiation is reduced to a lower risk level. That's why the walls of the radiation therapy room provided for cancer patients in hospitals are so thick.



Neutron

Nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor is an example of a radioactive chain reaction maintained by neutrons.

Neutrons are relatively large particles and are one of the main components of atomic nuclei. They are not charged and therefore do not directly ionize. But the interaction between neutrons and atoms of matter can produce α-、β-、γ- Or X-rays, and then cause ionization. Neutrons have penetrating power and can only be blocked by thick concrete, water, or paraffin.

Neutrons can be generated in various ways, such as in nuclear reactors or nuclear reactions triggered by high-energy particles in accelerator beams. Neutrons can represent an important source of indirect ionizing radiation.

Who is responsible for ensuring the safe use of radiation in China?

The National Nuclear Safety Administration of China is responsible for the supervision and management of nuclear and radiation safety. Develop relevant policies, plans, and standards, take the lead in coordinating nuclear safety work, participate in emergency response to nuclear accidents, and be responsible for emergency response to radiation environmental accidents. Supervise and manage the safety of nuclear facilities and radioactive sources, as well as the prevention and control of pollution in nuclear facilities, nuclear technology applications, electromagnetic radiation, and the development and utilization of radioactive mineral resources. Supervise and manage the control of nuclear materials and the design, manufacturing, installation, and non-destructive testing activities of civilian nuclear safety equipment.