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Did you know that gamma rays can travel several miles in open air? This occurs thanks to their powerful energy load and fast frequency, which are capable of dislodging electrons from atomic nuclei and damaging organic matter in the process. With that said, many applications of gamma-ray radiation require professionals to work in close proximity to this type of energy.
So, what stops gamma radiation? And, how can you use these materials to protect your radiation technology experts?
What Stops Gamma Radiation?
Let’s start by defining gamma rays. In short, gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and they carry the biggest energy load in the EM spectrum.
This type of energy can be produced by a range of events including nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and even incidents that take place in far corners of the galaxy like neutron star collisions.
But, what material stops gamma radiation? The answer doesn’t only consist of one material, but several.
In short, gamma rays can be blocked by anything that has high density, with the most common materials being lead, tungsten, and concrete.
It’s important to note the differences here: the first two are dense metals, so a shield with a thickness of a few centimeters does the trick. The third, however, is a synthetic material that’s not as dense, so it requires several meters to reduce the radiation load significantly.
Facts About Gamma Rays You Should Know
Now that we’ve briefly discussed what can stop gamma radiation, let’s take a look at a few interesting facts you should keep in mind if you’re looking to protect your team.
Energy and Wavelength Features
Gamma rays have a high energy load and short wavelength that measures less than 0.1 nanometers, so it’s powerful enough to damage DNA cells and other living tissue.
Penetration Power
Additionally, gamma radiation is highly penetrating, so it can pass through most materials including human tissue, wood, and thin metals. This is the reason why your gamma radiation shielding materials have to be dense and thick enough to reduce the radiation significantly.
Radiation Impact
So, we’ve stated that gamma radiation can dislodge electrons and damage organic tissue, but how exactly can it damage your body?
Exposure to any type of ionizing radiation including gamma produces free radicals, which travel around the body causing molecular changes that can lead to tissue damage and changes in DNA that may lead to cancer.
How Do Gamma Rays Affect Organic Matter?
Let’s take a closer look at how gamma rays can affect organic matter.
Ionization
Gamma rays ionize matter by displacing tightly bound electrons from their atomic orbits, creating charged particles called ions. This reaction triggers molecular changes, including DNA damage, initiating potential health risks like cancer.
Proper shielding with lead or tungsten is essential to reduce ionization exposure in medical as well as industrial settings.
Radiation Sickness
Acute gamma radiation exposure can lead to radiation sickness which is characterized by nausea, fatigue, and diminished immune function. Symptoms may emerge hours after exposure and intensify with higher radiation doses. The consistent use of quality shielding and monitoring devices is crucial for safeguarding professionals working in high-radiation environments.
Heightened Risks of Organ Disease Later on
Chronic exposure to gamma rays increases the risk of long-term organ damage. Over time, radiation-induced cell mutations may impair organ function, put organs under extreme stress, or lead to diseases, including cardiovascular complications.
Preventative measures like regular health monitoring and strict adherence to shielding protocols are critical in mitigating these risks.
Protecting Your Team Against Gamma Radiation
There is no denying that regular exposure to gamma radiation can have long-term health effects if you don’t wear the right protection.
As a facility manager, it’s necessary to research the best gamma radiation shielding options and ensure that your medical as well as your diagnostic teams have access to this equipment.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps you need to follow to get the best personal protection equipment (PPE) for your team.
Consider Your Facility’s Requirements
How big is your clinic or center? Are there any radiation technicians and medics on your team? Do you run a facility dedicated fully to imaging? Or, do you also perform medical radiation procedures?
It’s important to answer the questions above and figure out other key requirements before you start looking for the best radiation protection solutions.
Opt for a Provider with a Great Track Record
Once you have a good idea of what you need, it’s time to start looking for a provider. As a rule of thumb, always work with a professional that has a great reputation and track record.
If you choose an industry leader like Barrier Technologies, you’ll get personalized solutions and a radiation protection specialist guiding you through the whole process.
Acquire Both PPE and Additional Accessories
It’s essential to get PPE of the utmost quality in order to provide the highest level of protection. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of additional accessories that you can and should also have, including:
- Movable radiation shields
- Lead drapes
- Radiation-proof eyewear
Get the Best PPE for Your Medical Facility
Gamma radiation can be stopped by dense materials including lead, tungsten, and even thick concrete.
However, when it comes to blocking gamma and other forms of ionizing radiation in a medical or diagnostic facility, your best bet is to choose materials like lead and other dense metals that can be woven into aprons and other accessories.
The quality of your PPE will determine what amount of radiation your patients and medical team are exposed to, so it’s important to get your equipment from a trusted provider. At Barrier Technologies, we’ve spent the last decade helping medical facilities get the best protection for their diagnostic and medical personnel.
Do you need guidance while selecting the right number of aprons and other accessories for your clinic? Contact us today and we’ll provide assistance through the whole process.
