Which type of radiation has medium penetrating ability, shielding typically made of plastic or wood, hazards skin dose and dose to the lens of the eyes, and is found very common throughout the plant?

• A. Beta
• B. Gamma
• C. Neutron
• D. TEDE

Answer: (A)

Beta radiation has a moderate penetrating ability: it can pass through the outer layers of skin but is readily stopped by lightweight shielding such as plastic or wood. Because beta particles deposit most of their energy in the surface tissues, the primary hazards are skin dose and, if a beta beam reaches the eye, dose to the lens. In many industrial settings, beta emitters are common, so you’ll encounter them frequently around the plant.

Gamma radiation, by comparison, penetrates much more deeply and requires dense shielding like lead or concrete; its hazards are more about internal and deep-tissue exposure rather than skin or eye surface exposure. Neutron radiation also penetrates and is best shielded with hydrogen-rich materials (like certain plastics or water-rich shields, not typical thin plastic or wood). TEDE isn’t a type of radiation at all, but a dose metric.