Ionizing Radiation

Radiation is physical energy that moves in a wave-like motion. X-rays, the light we can see from the sun or a light bulb, microwaves, and radio waves are all forms of radiation. Figure 2 shows the wavelike motion of radiation. The distance from the top of one wave to the top of the next wave is the wavelength. The frequency is the number of waves that pass each second, or cycles. Frequency, or the number of cycles, is measured in units called Hertz (Hz). One Hz is equal to one cycle per second. Common types of radiation are shown in Figure 2. The differences can be compared to the display on a radio. The frequencies of different types of radiation are shown from highest to lowest. As shown in Figure 2, radiation is divided into two kinds, ionizing and non-ionizing.

Figure 2

Ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is strong enough to change the structure of atoms. X-rays are the best-known type of ionizing radiation.

Health effects of ionizing radiation

Exposure to ionizing radiation can be serious or even deadly. The type of effect depends on the strength of the radiation, the length of exposure, and the part of the body exposed. The main health effects include:

• cancer of the skin, breast, lung, digestive organs, blood (leukemia) and other sites; 
  
  
• infertility due to changes in the genes and chromosomes in men or women; 
  
  
• birth defects; and 
  
  
• radiation sickness, a short-term effect that includes loss of appetite and nausea.

Finding sources of ionizing radiation at work

Workers should be informed about all equipment that use X-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation. In addition to training, workers should be aware of radiation hazards through:

• labeling and warning signs; 
  
  
• monitors that measure the amount of radiation being emitted by equipment; and/or 
  
  
• radiation badges worn by workers to measure each employee’s exposure.

Worker exposure to ionizing radiation (X-ray, alpha and beta particles) is measured in units called rems. “Rem” stands for “roentgen equivalent man.”

Preventing exposure to ionizing radiation

Engineering controls

• Properly shield and maintain equipment that uses radiation. 
  
  
• Isolate radioactive equipment in restricted access areas. 
  
  
• Install switches to turn on equipment from another room.

Work practices

• Move workers as far away from radiation sources as possible. The strength and, therefore, the danger of radiation decreases as workers move away from radiation. 
  
  
• Workers should not hold patients during X-rays. Use film holders. If a child needs to be held, a family member should do it. 
  
  
• Identify patients with radioactive implants. 
  
  
• Wear badges to measure exposure to radiation. 
  
  

• PREGNANT WORKERS SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO RADIATION. THEY SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER JOBS WITHOUT LOSS OF PAY, SENIORITY OR OTHER RIGHTS OR BENEFITS!!

Personal protective equipment

Wear aprons and gloves that shield radiation.

Radiation standards

OSHA’s Standard for ionizing radiation is 29 CFR 1910.1096.