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A material containing unstable nuclei is considered radioactive. Three of the most common types of decay are alpha, beta, and gamma decay. The weak force is the mechanism that is responsible for beta decay, while the other two are governed by the electromagnetism and nuclear force. [1] Radioactive decay is a random process at the level of ...
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) consist of materials, usually industrial wastes or by-products enriched with radioactive elements found in the environment, such as uranium, thorium and potassium and any of their decay products, such as radium and radon. [1]
Particle radiation from radioactive material or cosmic rays almost invariably carries enough energy to be ionizing. Most ionizing radiation originates from radioactive materials and space (cosmic rays), and as such is naturally present in the environment, since most rocks and soil have small concentrations of radioactive materials.
The radioactive material collects in certain areas of your body, and special cameras find the radiation and make images that help your medical team diagnose and treat cancer and other illnesses.
A nuclear bone scan is a medical test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to check the condition of your bones. It’s also known as skeletal scintigraphy. You probably think of ...
A renal scan involves the use of nuclear radioactive material to examine your kidneys and assess their function. A renal scan is also known as a renal scintigraphy, nuclear renal imaging, or a ...
Radioactive contamination, also called radiological pollution, is the deposition of, or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable (from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) definition). [ 3 ]
Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy for treating some types of cancer. It involves placing radioactive material, usually in the form of seeds, pellets, ribbons, or wires, inside or next ...