Ionizing Radiation Hazards: Dangerous Goods IV

Abstract

The unwanted flow of matter is governed by chemical equations like Fick’s Law (diffusion of mass), the Arrhenius Law (rate of reaction), and most importantly the Nernst Equation (yielding the electrochemical potential of species). In addition to these chemical equations, the other unifying sutra (or “suture”) of eclectic dangerous goods problems, and the one that will be employed in this paper, is the construction of Gaussian surfaces through which energy may flow. This energy could be electromagnetic radiation, heat, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation (light), acoustic energy, or even just fields. Once an equation is developed for the flow through a unit area of a Gaussian surface, a comparison can be made between an exposure and some Exposure Limit. And, there are many different types of limits depending on the conditions of the exposure. But, in general, if an exposure is below the Exposure Limit, then safety is implied. Above the limit, steps must be taken to provide shielding. In this paper, attention will be focused on the hazards produced by flows of ionizing radiation energy emitted from a source. Ionizing radiation can penetrate deeply into matter and is capable of removing electrons from neutral atoms all along its path. Such widespread damage can disrupt DNA and, ultimately, result in carcinogenic tumors.