All of the energy from the Sun that reaches the Earth arrives as solar radiation, part of a large collection of energy called the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Solar radiation includes visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Radiation is one way to transfer heat.

The part of the spectrum that reaches Earth from the sun is between 100 nm and 1 mm. This band is broken into three ranges: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation.

Solar radiation, often called the solar resource or just sunlight, is a general term for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.

The EM spectrum is generally divided into seven regions, in order of decreasing wavelength and increasing energy and frequency. The common designations are: radio waves, microwaves, infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet (UV), X-rays and gamma rays.

Alpha rays

Alpha, beta and gamma

There are four major types of radiation: alpha, beta, neutrons, and electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays.

Depending on their energy, they can be stopped by a thin piece of aluminum foil, or they can penetrate several inches of lead. In this experiment, we study the penetrating power of each type of radiation.

Not all radiation is harmful, and whether or not it is harmful depends on the type of radiation in question and how much (the so-called ‘dose’) you are exposed to. Some types of radiation are known as ‘ionising’.

Alpha particle

So unlike alpha, beta particles can penetrate a sheet of paper, but can easily be stopped by a thin sheet of either Perspex or aluminum. Crucially, though, in situations where beta radiation is not accompanied by gamma radiation, materials such as steel and lead are not suitable as shielding.

Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.

1. Close windows and doors.
2. Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
3. Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

α ALPHA – can be stopped after traveling through about 1.2 inches of air, about 0.008 inches of water, or a piece of paper or skin. A thin piece of paper, or even the dead cells in the outer layer of human skin, provides adequate shielding because alpha particles can’t penetrate it.

Generally speaking, we say that light travels in waves, and all electromagnetic radiation travels at the same speed which is about 3.0 * 108 meters per second through a vacuum.

Radiation damages the cells that make up the human body. Low levels of radiation are not dangerous, but medium levels can lead to sickness, headaches, vomiting and a fever. High levels can kill you by causing damage to your internal organs.

Damage by radiation is irreversible. Once the cells are damaged, they do not repair themselves. Until now, there is no way for medicine to do this, so it is important for someone who has been exposed to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Taking off your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be very careful in removing your clothing to prevent radioactive dust from shaking loose. Put the clothing in a plastic bag or other sealable container.

Radiacwash™ has been used extensively in hospitals, universities, laboratories and reactor facilities since 1951. It is the first and most popular general purpose decontamination solution specifically created for the fast and safe removal of the entire spectrum of nuclidic radioactivity.

The fabrics used in single-use protective garments do not provide a barrier to electromagnetic ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma rays, X-rays). However, protective garments, like Tyvek® and Tychem® apparel, may provide limited shielding protection against radioactive alpha or beta particles.

That’s because radiation is carried on dust particles. “The air isn’t radioactive, but small dust particles are,” Toner explains. “You’re essentially washing off the dust.” By the way, the dusty clothes can often be decontaminated simply by washing them, but it depends on the amount of radiation detected.

Gently washing with water and soap removes additional radiation particles from the skin. Decontamination prevents radioactive materials from spreading more. It also lowers the risk of internal contamination from inhalation, ingestion or open wounds.

With respect to your question on how does the radioactivity ever go away, all of the radioiodine (no matter where it is or how often it gets moved around) continuously decays at a rate such that half of it goes away every eight days.

Albert Stevens

irradiation

Any radiation therapy that is transient, including external beam radiation or brachytherapy that is removed, poses no risk to family members. For these types of therapy, patients are exposed to radiation only during active treatment, and radiation is not carried on the patient’s body.

Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature. Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.