Introduction

• Radiation is a form of energy:
  • Ionizing radiation (eg X-rays) has sufficient energy to ionize atoms and cause damage to biological tissues. The source of ionizing radiation includes for example X-Ray generators and radio-active material.
  • Non-ionizing radiation (eg UV, microwaves, radio waves) is less energetic and unable to cause ionization.
• It is essential to follow rigid safety guidelines when dealing with ionizing radiation that is a serious safety hazard because:
  • It is invisible.
  • It is painless.
  • It penetrates and interacts with biological tissues to produce:
    • Cumulative effects.
    • Latent effects, which may manifest at a later time.

Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter

Biological effects of ionizing radiation

Radioprotection in radiography

The Law (in a nutshell)

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Bottollier-Depois J F, Chau Q, Bouisset P et al (2000) Assessing exposure to cosmic radiation during long-haul flights. Radiat Res 153 (5 Pt. 1), 526-532 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Working safely with ionising radiation: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg334.pdf
• Work with ionising radiation. Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l121.pdf
• Ionising radiation: www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/index.htm