Ionizing Radiation

Test Your Knowledge

Which of the following statements are true about ionizing radiation?

1. The correct answer is d.

All of the above are true.
1. Ionizing radiation is energy that is released by an unstable atom in order to become more stable.
2. Ionizing radiation is used in many occupational settings, including medical offices, manufacturing facilities, security screening, and many others.
3. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms in its path.
4. All of the above
5. None of the above
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Which of the following types of radiation is not ionizing radiation?

2. The correct answer is e.

Radiofrequency radiation is non-ionizing.
1. Alpha particles
2. Beta particles
3. Gamma rays
4. X-rays
5. Radiofrequency radiation
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What is a difference between Gamma rays and X-rays?

3. The correct answer is a.

Gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus while X-rays are emitted from outside the nucleus.
1. Gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus of an atom; X-rays are emitted from the outside the nucleus.
2. X-rays are emitted from the nucleus of an atom; gamma rays are emitted from the outside the nucleus.
3. Gamma rays and X-rays are emitted from the nucleus of the atoms.
4. Gamma rays and X-rays are emitted from outside the nucleus.
5. Gamma rays and X-rays are exactly the same.
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Which of the following types of radiation is the most penetrating?

4. The correct answer is c.

Of the types listed, gamma rays are the most penetrating. They have the highest energy in the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Alpha particles, while least penetrating, are very harmful to living cells if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed into the body.
1. Alpha particles
2. Beta particles
3. Gamma rays
4. X-rays
5. All of the above
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What is the annual average radiation dose per person in the United States from natural background radiation and medical exposures (see NCRP 2009)?

5. The correct answer is c.

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) estimated, in 2009, that the annual average radiation dose per person in the United States from natural background radiation and medical exposure is about 620 mrem (6.2 mSv).
1. 50 mrem (0.5 mSv)
2. 100 mrem (1 mSv)
3. 620 mrem (6.2 mSv)
4. 1000 mrem (10 mSv)
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What is the most frequently cited provision of OSHA’s Ionizing Radiation Standard (29 CFR 1910.1096)?

6. The correct answer is a.

While all of the answer choices are the most commonly cited provisions of OSHA’s Ionizing Radiation Standard, failure to conduct surveys of radiation hazards is the most frequently cited.
1. Failure to conduct surveys of radiation hazards in order to comply with the Standard (29 CFR 1910.1096(d)(1))
2. Failure to supply appropriate personal monitoring (29 CFR 1910.1096(d)(2))
3. Failure to post radiation areas (29 CFR 1910.1096(e)(2))
4. Failure to provide instruction to personnel (29 CFR 1910.1096(i)(2))
5. Failure to post operating procedures (29 CFR 1910.1096(i)(3))
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Which of the following health effects occur only after very high radiation doses, such as those experienced during a radiation emergency?

7. The correct answer is e.

These health effects have very high threshold doses that are almost never exceeded during normal occupational operations. During radiation emergencies, however, such doses are possible and it is very important that employers take all actions to protect responders. Visit OSHA’s Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response page for information on protecting workers during radiological emergencies.
1. Permanent sterility
2. Skin reddening
3. Temporary hair loss
4. Acute radiation syndrome
5. All of the above
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Suppose a person is working with an X-ray machine and accidentally sticks his hand into the X-ray field. That person has been:

8. The correct answer is b.

The person’s hand was externally exposed when it entered the X-ray field. Employers must ensure that workers are properly trained and that all protective measures are taken to keep worker exposures ALARA, as low as reasonably achievable.
1. Contaminated
2. Externally exposed to radiation
3. Internally exposed to radiation
4. Contaminated and exposede
5. All of the above
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Suppose a lab worker spills a radioactive solution containing a high energy beta particle emitter, such as ³²P, on his lab coat. That person has been:

9. The correct answer is d.

The person’s lab coat is contaminated. Assuming that the solution did not penetrate the lab coat to the skin, then the person has received an external exposure from the high energy beta particles, but not an internal exposure. The Radiation Safety Officer should be notified immediately.
1. Contaminated
2. Externally exposed to radiation
3. Internally exposed to radiation
4. Both a and b
5. All of the above
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Which of the following practices help to keep radiation doses ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable)?

10. The correct answer is d.

When it comes to ionizing radiation, remember time, distance, and shielding!
1. Minimize time spent in areas with elevated radiation levels
2. Maximize distance from radiation sources
3. Use shielding between radiation sources and workers
4. All of the above
5. None of the above
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