What kind of pig?

The container pictured above stores a radioisotope that will be administered to a patient as part of a medical treatment. The isotope is stored in a lead container that blocks the radiation from escaping and causing exposure to people. This lead container is called a “pig”, a term long used for referring to castings of lead or other metals. The origin of the term is not clear, but was probable first applied to these containers by the people who made them.

Penetrating Ability of Emissions

The various emissions will differ considerably in their ability to go through matter, known as their penetrating ability. The α-particle has the least penetrating power since it is the largest and slowest emission. It can be blocked by a sheet of paper or a human hand. Beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, but can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum. Of the three basic types of emissions, gamma particle are the most penetrating. A thick lead shield is required to stop gamma emissions. Positrons represent a special case in that they annihilate when they come in contact with electrons. The collision of a positron and an electron results in the formation of two gamma emissions that go 180 degrees away from each other.

Figure 1. Penetrating ability of radioactive emissions.

Blocking of alpha particles can easily be accomplished by as little as 10 mm plastic or paper. Beta emissions represent a somewhat different situation. The negative charge on a beta particle has the potential for activating the element being used to block the radiation. Lead and tungsten are large atoms with many protons and neutrons in their nuclei. While the beta electron may be blocked, the target material could become irradiated in the process.

High-density materials are much more effective protection against gamma emissions than low-density ones. Gamma rays are usually blocked effectively by lead shielding. The thickness of the shielding will determine the effectiveness of the protection offered by the lead.

Summary

• The relative penetrating abilities of radioactive emissions are described.

Practice

Read the material at the link below and answer the following questions:

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/protection_basics.html

1. How does time impact radiation exposure?
2. How does distance impact exposure?
3. What is shielding?

Review

1. What is penetrating ability?
2. Which radioactive emission has the greatest penetrating ability?
3. How can alpha particles be blocked?
4. What is a problem with blocking beta emissions?

Glossary