Question

1. How to minimise exposure to gamma sources when you are in a backyard (assume this includes a shed of some description and a pool). The source you encounter is a sealed gamma source.

Answer 1

Putting distance and shielding between you and a radiation source is an immediately effective way of reducing your exposure. Reducing the time you are being exposed is another way. Use a Respirator or Face Mask if You are exposed to airborne sources.this is the way by which you can protect yourself

in point wise

• Time: For people who are exposed to radiation in addition to natural background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source.

• Distance: Just as the heat from a fire is less intense the further away you are, so the intensity and dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your distance from the source.

• Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating radiation such as gamma rays and neutrons. This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving x-rays of their teeth. Similarly, special plastic shields stop beta particles, and air stops alpha particles. Therefore, inserting the proper shield between you and a radiation source will greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.

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