Frequently Asked Questions

Radiation is the term used to define energy in motion which is released from an unstable source (nucleus of a radioactive atom). It travels through space or material medium, usually in the form of electromagnetic waves (x rays, γ rays) or high speed subatomic particles (α particles, β particles). Radiation plays a pivotal role in several ground-breaking medical treatments, academic research and industrial applications of today. Interestingly, we are daily exposed to radiation naturally present in our environment (background radiation). However, in high dosages it is a proven carcinogen and mutagen, hence safety and protection of humankind from radiation is a grave concern.

Radiation is all around us, both from natural sources like cosmic rays and soil minerals, and from human-made technologies such as X-ray machines and radiation therapy devices. Its intensity varies with location and environmental factors, but most background radiation is low and not directly felt.
Radiation ranges from non-ionizing types like radio waves and microwaves to ionizing forms like ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. While low-level exposure is generally safe, certain types—such as UVC, high-intensity microwaves, and ionizing radiation—can be harmful if exposure is excessive or uncontrolled.

Depends upon the type of radiation and the ability to penetrate other materials or medium. Alpha and Beta radioactive particles can’t travel too far and they are easily slowed down due to less penetrating ability. But gamma rays, x-rays and neutrons travel a notable distance and it is difficult to hinder their motion naturally (particularly for large radioactive sources)

Alpha (α) radiation consists of fast moving helium nucleus (⁴₂He²⁺) and is stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta (β) radiation, consisting of high energy fast moving electrons, however, is halted by aluminium plate. Gamma (γ) radiation, consisting of energetic photons, is eventually absorbed as it penetrates a dense material. Neutrons (n) radiation consists of free neutrons that are obstructed by light elements, like hydrogen, which slows them down and/or captures them.

Not shown: Galactic cosmic rays that consist of energetic charged nuclei such as protons, Helium nuclei, and high-charged nuclei called HZE ions.

a. Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged particles. It originates from both natural sources—such as cosmic rays and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)—and human-made sources, including medical imaging equipment (e.g., X-ray machines), nuclear reactors, and materials classified as Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM).

b. Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation has comparatively lower energy and does not have the ability to ionize atoms. It is generally less harmful to the environment and living organisms. Common sources include radio waves, microwaves, infrared which are widely used in communication and everyday technology.

Non-ionizing radiation has comparatively lower energy and does not have the ability to ionize atoms. It is generally less harmful to the environment and living organisms. Common sources include radio waves, microwaves, infrared which are widely used in communication and everyday technology.

Without a radiation detector, it is not possible to reliably determine whether an object is radioactive. It’s essential to understand the type of detector being used and which kinds of radiation it can detect — alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, or neutron. For instance, a typical gamma or X-ray detector will not detect alpha particles, which require specialized detectors due to their low penetration ability.

Yes, there are pills that can help protect against certain types of radiation, but there is no universal “anti-radiation pill.”

• Potassium iodide (KI) protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine (I-131) and is only effective during radiation emergencies involving the release of radioactive iodine, such as nuclear power plant accidents or explosions. However, it only protects the thyroid, does not guard against other radioactive materials or general radiation exposure, and is generally not useful in dirty bomb scenarios, which rarely involve radioactive iodine.

• Prussian Blue is a prescription medicine that helps remove radioactive Caesium and Thallium from the body by binding to them in the intestines and eliminating them through faeces.

• DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is another prescription treatment that binds to radioactive metals like plutonium, americium, and curium in the bloodstream, aiding their removal through urine; it is administered by injection or inhalation in medical settings.

However, these medications do not protect against gamma rays, neutron radiation, or radiation from nuclear blasts, and they do not prevent radiation sickness from high-dose exposure or offer general protection.

Over-the-counter iodine tinctures, herbal remedies, “radiation detox” pills, and multivitamins marketed as anti-radiation solutions are ineffective and potentially harmful. In any radiation emergency, the most effective protection comes from increasing distance from the source, staying in well-shielded areas (such as thick-walled or underground shelters), and minimizing exposure time.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), set up under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, regulates the safe use of nuclear energy and radiation in India. It sets safety standards, issues licenses, and ensures that radiation exposure to people and the environment stays within safe limits.

The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Group of BARC and regional offices carry out routine inspections. Facilities like nuclear power plants must get AERB approvals at various stages—site selection to decommissioning—and regularly submit safety data. They must also obtain environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) based on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), a unit under the Department of Atomic Energy, handles the production and supply of radioisotopes and radiation equipment, and operates under AERB’s regulatory oversight to ensure safe handling and transport of radioactive materials.

Radiation can be extremely harmful — in high doses, it can even be fatal. Intense exposure can cause severe damage to your organs and tissues, impairing the body’s ability to function properly and potentially leading to death.
To protect against harmful exposure, safety guidelines emphasize three key principles:
• Time – Limit exposure duration.
• Distance – Stay as far from the source as possible.
• Shielding – Use protective barriers between you and the source.

These precautions are the foundation of radiation safety regulations designed to protect public health and the environment.

Despite the risks, radiation is also a powerful tool in medicine. Under the guidance of medical professionals, it is used safely and effectively for diagnostic imaging (like X-rays and CT scans) and cancer treatment (radiation therapy), providing critical health benefits when used appropriately. In industry, it supports critical applications such as inspecting welds, sterilizing equipment, and improving product quality.

With proper controls, radiation can be a powerful and safe tool that serves public health, technology, and industry.

There’s no fixed minimum amount of ionizing radiation that affects an area. The impact depends on the radiation type, source activity, exposure time, distance, and shielding.

Regulatory frameworks strictly prohibit the storage or handling of radioactive materials without appropriate shielding. If such a source is left unshielded, radiation leakage is not only possible—it poses a significant and potentially catastrophic threat to human health and the environment. Being a professional, we never recommend storing a radioactive source without adequate shielding.

It’s a common myth that all radiation is harmful. In reality, the effects of radiation depend on its type, energy, and intensity. While high doses of certain types of radiation can be dangerous, low or controlled levels are often safe and even beneficial. For example, radiation is used in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and power generation.

Medical Treatments – Radiation is used in cancer therapy (radiation therapy) to destroy or shrink harmful cancerous cells and tumors.

Food Preservation – Radiation helps sterilize food by killing bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens, thereby extending the shelf life of frozen and packaged food without significantly affecting taste or nutrition.

Industrial Applications – Radiation is used in non-destructive testing (NDT) for imaging internal structures, in manufacturing processes, and in scientific research, including radiotracer studies and quality control.

Environmental Disruption – Ionizing radiation can disturb natural ecosystems by damaging plant and animal life, altering soil composition, and contaminating water sources. For example, radiation from nuclear accidents like Chernobyl led to long-term ecological imbalances in affected areas.

Severe Health Risks – Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially in high doses or over extended periods, increases the risk of various cancers (such as leukemia, thyroid, and lung cancer), radiation sickness, and tissue damage. This is a major concern for individuals working in nuclear facilities or exposed during radiological emergencies.

Prenatal Damage – Unborn babies are highly sensitive to radiation. Even low doses during pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities, developmental delays, and increased risk of childhood cancers. This is why strict safety measures are enforced in medical imaging and nuclear industries.

Therefore, understanding the proper and controlled use of ionizing radiation is crucial. While it plays a vital role in medicine, industry, and research, responsible handling and regulatory safeguards are essential to protect both human health and the environment from its harmful effects.

Industrial and Medical Professionals, and laboratory scientists who work in close association with radioactive substances face a very high risk of radiation damage. Radiation Protection Services provide assurance that no radiation leakages are taking place and that a minimum dose of radiation, within the permissible limit and following the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, is received by patients and professionals without impacting the efficacy of the radiology applications.

High-energy, highly penetrating radiation interacts with human cells to cause various biological effects. When it comes in contact with human tissue, it may damage cells either directly—by breaking DNA —or indirectly through the formation of harmful free radicals via water radiolysis. Biological effects are classified as deterministic (with a dose threshold and increasing severity, e.g., skin burns, cataracts) or stochastic (random, with no threshold, such as cancer or genetic mutations). Exposure can be acute (high dose in a short time, causing immediate effects) or chronic (low dose over time, potentially leading to long-term health risks).

Hence, radiation exposure can affect various organs and systems, including the digestive system, central nervous system, bone marrow, skin, eyes, and reproductive organs.