Although radiation has many benefits, as with many things, too much radiation can be harmful. For example, exposure to sunlight provides us with vitamin D, but excessive exposure can cause sunburn and possibly skin cancer. We therefore take precautions to limit our exposure to sunlight by wearing appropriate clothing and applying sunscreen.
We can limit our exposure to radiation by managing radioactive materials and radioactive waste appropriately and safely. This can be achieved by a variety of methods:
Shielding the radioactive materials to prevent the radiation travelling away from its source.
Shielding includes packaging radioactive materials in appropriate material to make it safe for workers and the public during storage and transport. Radioactive materials must also be stored in specially designed facilities with effective shielding. The nature of shielding required, including packaging, depends on the type of material or waste and the radiation it emits.
Limiting people's exposure to radioactive materials, or isolating the materials from people altogether.
Disposing of radioactive waste in a responsible way so that it is contained throughout the period that the material has the potential to be harmful.
Responsible disposal includes the construction of specially designed facilities with appropriate containment barriers.
By shielding, isolating, and disposing of radioactive materials safely and appropriately, we can protect people and the environment from harm.
For more information on radiation and radiation safety visit the website of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
.