Types of radiation
Ionizing radiation is the radiation which can penetrate tissues and deposit its energy within them. They are of three types of electromagnetic radiation: alpha particles, beta particles (electron) and protons.
Alpha particles are 10 times more harmful than X-rays, beta particles or gamma rays but they have very little penetrating force. But they are dangerous it enters the body by inhalation or wound. X-rays & gamma rays are of short wave length and can penetrate deep.
Alpha particles can penetrate 4cm in air, 0.05mm in tissue and no penetration in lead. Beta particles can penetrate 6 to 300cm in air, 0.06-4mm in tissue and 0.005 to0.3 mm in lead. Gamma rays can penetrate 400 meters in air, 50cm in tissue and 40mm in lead. X-rays can penetrate 120-240 meters in air 15 to 30cm in tissue and 0.3 mm in lead.
