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Radiation Dose
When x-rays interact with the specimen being irradiated, the radiation interacts
with orbital electrons of the atoms and radiation (energy) is deposited. The amount
of radiation deposited is called the radiation dose (or simply "dose") and is
measured in either rad or Gray (Gy). A Gray is 100 times greater than a rad. For the
specimens being irradiated in the RS-2000 the dose typically ranges from a few
Gray to tens of Gray.
The rate at which the radiation is delivered is the dose rate and is in either in units
of rad/hr or Gray/hr (Gy/hr). A Gray/hr is 100 times greater than a rad/hr. In the
RS-2000 the dose rate used is highly dependent upon how close the specimen is to
the x-ray tube, but will vary from around 1.2 to almost 9 Gy/minute.
The next question you might ask is "How much radiation will I receive from
handling irradiated specimens and from using this irradiator?". As for handling
irradiated specimens, they do NOT become radioactive after an irradiation and you
will not receive any radiation from handling irradiated these specimens.
As for using (or being near) the irradiator, the unit is heavily shielded and minimal
radiation is given off outside the unit. In addition, an interlock system will shut off
the x-ray tube if the door to the RS-2000 is opened. Therefore, you should expect
virtually NO radiation exposure from using the RS-2000 and therefore, individuals
using the unit are NOT required to wear radiation badges to monitor exposure
(NOTE: If the interlock system is somehow defeated or if the shielding is removed,
individuals could receive DANGEROUS radiation doses).
Radiation Dose ("Dose") measured in rad or Gray (Gy)
100 rad = 1 Gy
Dose Rate measured in rad/hr or Gy/hr
100 rad/hr = 1 Gy/hr
Irradiated specimens do NOT give off radiation
Radiation levels outside the RS-2000 are minimal
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