ABSTRACT
Nuclear and environmental scientists need to have a basic understanding of radiation science in order to enable them to perform their jobs effectively and to protect themselves and coworkers. This chapter discusses the basic types of ionizing radiation and methods for calculating various radiation doses. It talks about the introductory health physics principles, such as somatic and genetic effects of radiation, radiation protection standards and concepts. Four types of radiation are important when dealing with radioactive waste. They are alpha and beta particles, neutrons, and gamma rays. During radioactive decay, an atom is transformed into an isotope of another element. Decay calculations are often done to determine the number of radioactive atoms remaining in a sample at given time. In protecting against radiation external to the body, three factors should be considered: distance, time, and shielding. That is, it is safer to keep farther from the source of radiation, minimize the time of exposure, and use thicker or heavier shielding.
