Human senses can't detect radiations. For this reason, numerous laboratory and handheld instruments are available to measure and detect radiations.
If you have to work around radioactive objects or materials, make sure to use a radiator detector. With these detectors, you can regularly review your environment.
Common Instruments to Detect Radiation
If you detect radiations in your surroundings, here are some portable instruments for your convenience:
GM (Geiger-Mueller) Tube
With a GM tube, you can detect radiations in the field. This gas-filled tube can create electrical pulses at high voltage in the presence of emissions. The meter on this instrument can convert these pulses into a reading. A device with a speaker can give audible clicks along with vibrations.
Standard units are mR/hr (milliroentgens per hour), R/hr (roentgens per hour), mrem/hr (millirem per hour), and cpm (counts per minute). GM probes are famous handheld instruments for radiation survey. These energy-compensated tubes are great to measure exposure.
MicroR Meter
With a sodium iodide crystal, you can create a light pulse to interact with radiations. A PMT (photomultiplier tube) can convert a light pulse into electrical signals. As a result, you will get reading on an instrument meter. The light pulse is always promotional to the energy and light deposited in a crystal.
These instruments come with lower and upper energy discrimination circuits. With their proper use, you can identify radioactive material and gamma energy. After identifying radioactive rays, it becomes easy for you to take precautionary measures. Remember, Radiation Protection with STEMRAD will make your life easy.
Multichannel Analyzer
With this portable analyzer, you can identify the procedure of gamma-ray energy. It is a fantastic combination of PMT and sodium iodide crystal, along with MCA (multichannel analyzer). These handheld instruments can identify gamma-ray data library. With these instruments, you can locate the type of available radioactive materials.
Ionization Chamber
With this air-filled chamber, you can detect radiations around you. This chamber features a central anode, an electrically conductive inner wall, and a low applied voltage. Electrometer circuit can measure gamma radiation in the air. You have to calibrate these instruments appropriately.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Radioactive Material
After detecting the material, you have to protect yourself from radioactive material. Use shielding and time distance for your protection. You must have a shield between a radiation source and you. It is an effective way to decrease your exposure. Try to decrease your time of exposure.
If you want to protect yourself from airborne sources, feel free to use a face mask or respirator. Appropriately label available sources and cover them for your safety. Keep an eye on each possible source of radiation.
Remember, everyone is exposed to radiations from outer space, natural sources, radon gas in your homes, etc. Some sources can make it necessary for you to undergo medical procedures, diagnostic procedures, and radioactive antiques.
Protect Yourself from Medical X-rays
With medical imaging, you can get lifesaving analytical information. Remember, plenty of medical X-rays can be harmful to you. For this reason, you have to share your concerns with a health care professional. Try to use an alternative to avoid medical X-rays.
If you want to protect yourself from invisible ionizing radiations, you will need instrumentation and knowledge. With a reliable radiator detector, it becomes easy to learn about your environment. A common man may find things normal around him. This situation can be different with good instruments.
Remember, radiations are different from each other. For instance, light from moon and star and sunlight are electromagnetic radiations. These radiations are similar to radiations from a microwave. You can't ignore the risk of microwave radiation and sunlight. The risk may vary based on the ionizing radiation.
Gamma radiations (ionizing radiations) come in waves. These waves are more penetrating because of their shorter wavelength. Remember, these wavelengths can alter atoms, DNA, and molecules with their energy. Moreover, these can create free radicals in your body.
X-rays and Gamma radiations share the same characteristics. Both have shorter wavelengths than visible light. Unstable radioactive minerals can release Gamma rays in the form of energy. These rays can change chemical compositions.
Humans create X-rays in electrical, mechanical procedures for medical imaging. Remember, energies of x and gamma radiations are more damaging than others.
