2. |
- Płódowska, Magdalena, et al.
(author)
-
Small is beautiful : low activity alpha and gamma sources for small-scale radiation protection research experiments
- 2021
-
In: International Journal of Radiation Biology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0955-3002 .- 1362-3095. ; 97:4, s. 541-552
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Uncertainties regarding the magnitude of health effects following exposure to low dosesof ionizing radiation remain a matter of concern both for professionals and for the public. There isconsensus within the international radiation research community that more research is requiredon biological effects of radiation doses below 100 mGy applied at low dose rates. Moreover, thereis a demand for increasing education and training of future radiation researchers and regulators.Research, education and training is primarily carried out at universities but university-based radiationresearch is often hampered by limited access to radiation sources. The aim of the presentreport is to describe small and cost-effective low activity gamma and alpha sources that can easilybe installed and used in university laboratories.Methods and results: A gamma radiation source was made from an euxenite-(Y) rock(Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6) that was found in an abandoned mine in Sweden. It allows exposingcells grown in culture dishes to radiation at a dose rate of 50 μGy/h and lower. Three alpha sourceswere custom-made and yield a dose rate of 1 mGy/h each. The construction, dosimetry andcellular effects of the sources are described.Conclusions: We hope that the report will stimulate research and training activities in the lowdose field by facilitating access to radiation sources.
|
|