High levels can be measured with an ionization chamber, such as a CD V-715.
7. Gamma radiation or X-rays frequently accompany the emission of alpha and beta radiation.
8. Instruments designed solely for alpha detection (such as an alpha scintillation counter) will not detect gamma radiation.
9. Pocket chamber (pencil) dosimeters, film badges, thermoluminescent, and other types of dosimeters can be used to measure accumulated exposure to gamma radiation.
Characteristics of Beta Radiation.
1. Beta radiation may travel meters in air and is moderately penetrating.
2. Beta radiation can penetrate human skin to the "germinal layer," where new skin cells are produced. If beta-emitting contaminants are allowed to remain on the skin for a prolonged period of time, they may cause skin injury. .
3. Beta-emitting contaminants may be harmful if deposited internally.
4. Most beta emitters can be detected with a survey instrument (such as a CD V-700, provided the metal probe cover is open). Some beta emitters, however, produce very low energy, poorly penetrating radiation that may be difficult or impossible to detect. Examples of these are carbon-14, tritium, and sulfur-35.
5. Beta radiation cannot be detected with an ionization chamber such as a CD V-715.
6. Clothing and turnout gear provide some protection against most beta radiation. Turnout gear and dry clothing can keep beta emitters off of the skin.
Characteristics of Alpha Radiation.
1. Alpha radiation is not able to penetrate skin.
2. Alpha-emitting materials can be harmful to humans if the materials are inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through open wounds. .
3. A variety of instruments have been designed to measure alpha radiation. Special training in use of these instruments is essential for making accurate measurements.
4. A civil defense instrument (CD V-700) cannot detect the presence of radioactive materials that produce alpha radiation unless the radioactive materials also produce beta and/or gamma radiation.
