| Both the type of
radiation to which the person is exposed and the pathway by which they are
exposed influence health effects. Different types of radiation vary in their
ability to damage different kinds of tissue. Radiation and radiation
emitters (radionuclides) can expose the whole body (direct exposure) or
expose tissues inside the body when inhaled or ingested. All kinds of
ionizing radiation can cause cancer and other health effects. The main
difference in the ability of alpha and beta particles and gamma and x-rays
to cause health effects is the amount of energy they have. Their energy
determines how far they can penetrate into tissue. It also determines how
much energy they are able to transmit directly or indirectly to tissues and
the resulting damage. |
