Do X-rays use radioactive substances?
X-rays and gamma rays can come from natural sources, such as radon gas, radioactive elements in the earth, and cosmic rays that hit the earth from outer space. But this type of radiation can also be man-made.
What kind of radiation is X-ray?
electromagnetic radiation
What are medical x-rays? X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light. Unlike light, however, x-rays have higher energy and can pass through most objects, including the body. Medical x-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body.
What are the different rays of light?
The light we can see, made up of the individual colors of the rainbow, represents only a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Other types of light include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays — all of which are imperceptible to human eyes.
What is the difference between radioactivity and radiation?
What is the difference between radioactivity and radiation? Radiation is the energy or particles that are released during radioactive decay. The radioactivity of a material refers to the rate at which it emits radiation.
Is ultraviolet A ray?
Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. Short-wave ultraviolet light damages DNA and sterilizes surfaces with which it comes into contact.
What are alpha rays used for?
Therapy that uses a radioactive substance that gives off a type of high-energy radiation called an alpha-particle to kill cancer cells. The radioactive substance is injected into a vein, travels through the blood, and collects in certain tissues in the body, such as areas of bone with cancer.
What is meant by radioactive substances?
Radioactive substances are atoms that decay naturally. They can give off alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. Unlike X-ray sources they cannot be turned off, so their control is more difficult.
What are the regulations for exposure to radiation?
Exposure to airborne radioactive material . No employer shall possess, use or transport radioactive material in such a manner as to cause any employee, within a restricted area, to be exposed to airborne radioactive material in an average concentration in excess of the limits specified in Table 1 of appendix B to 10 CFR part 20.
How are medical X-rays a source of radiation?
X-rays are capable of passing completely through the human body. Medical x-rays are the single largest source of man-made radiation exposure.. This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving x-rays…
What kind of radiation can a radioactive substance give off?
Radioactive Substances Radioactive substances are atoms that decay naturally. They can give off alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. Unlike X-ray sources they cannot be turned off, so their control is more difficult.
What is the role of the EPA in radiation protection?
EPA’s mission in radiation protection is to protect human health and the environment from the ionizing radiation that comes from human use of radioactive elements. Other agencies regulate the non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by electrical devices such as radio transmitters or cell phones (See: Radiation Resources Outside of EPA ).