Activity 3.5 - Radiation protection

• To measure how radiation changes with the distance to the radiation source
• To measure how beta radiation is absorbed
• To describe methods of protection against ionising radiation
• To compare the health risks of an ionising radiation dose to other risks

• A computer with internet connection
• Radiation sources of alpha, beta and gamma radiation
• A detection device: a Geiger-Müller counter or a radiation sensor with data-logger and software (Coach 6)

This activity is about radiation protection.

In activity 1 students analyse the health risks associated with ionising radiation.

In activity 2 they investigate:

1. how the radiation changes with the distance from the source, and
2. how beta radiation is absorbed by cardboard or aluminium foils.

In activity 3 they learn three factors of minimising the radiation: minimising exposure time, maximising distance, and the use of shielding.

In activity 4 students find out how film badges are used for monitoring the radiation exposure.

• What is a health risk of an X-ray dental image?
• How to minimise the radiation dose?
• What is the ALARA principle?
• How is the radiation exposure of health care staff involved in radiology or nuclear medicine monitored?