What are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation?
Alpha particles can be emitted by atoms that are more massive than lead, such as radium. Alpha particles are comprised of two protons and two neutrons and have a large charge, which can pull electrons off neighboring atoms (or cause them to ionize). Alpha particles cannot penetrate the skin, but can be taken into the human body if they are contained in the air people breathe, or the food or drink people consume. If they enter the human body, alpha particles can be absorbed in the blood, incorporated into molecules in the body, and deposited in living tissue. Beta particles are electrons that result from a neutron changing into a proton. Some beta particles have very little energy and cannot pass through the dead outer layer of a person’s skin, but most can do so and expose the living tissue underneath the outer layer of skin to radiation. Beta particles cannot travel all the way through the human body, however. Exposure to beta radiation can also result from inhaling air or ingesting f
