How far can atomic radiation penetrate?
Radiation from uranium mining is in three types – alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays. Alpha particles only travel a few centimeters in air and do not penetrate skin. The risk from alpha radiation is inhalation so workers are protected from inhaling alpha radiation. Beta particles can travel a few metres in air and can penetrate a few millimeters of skin. The risk to workers from beta radiation is from ingestion and possible damage to eyes. Workers wear eye protection and are protected from ingestion. Gamma rays are very penetrating and can often travel through humans. Workers are protected from gamma radiation by shielding made of metal, concrete or water, by spending little time in the presence of gamma radiation and by keeping distance from gamma radiation. Through careful planning and design and through thorough monitoring, workers at modern uranium mines receive only about 5% of the radiation dose limit and receive little more then what is received from natural background radiation. More information about types of radiation can be found at www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/eng/readingroom/radiation/types_sources_of_radiation.cfm