Which radiation can cause skin burns due to beta particles?

Which radiation can cause skin burns due to beta particles?

• A. Alpha Radiation
• B. Gamma Radiation
• C. Neutron Radiation
• D. Beta Radiation

Answer: (D)

Beta radiation consists of fast electrons that have limited penetrating power. When the source is on or near the skin, these particles deposit most of their energy in the superficial layers of tissue, especially the epidermis and upper dermis. That concentrated energy delivery causes localized skin damage, redness, and in higher doses, burns known as beta burns. Alpha particles, despite being highly ionizing, are stopped by the outer skin and typically pose a risk mainly if internalized, so they do not produce external skin burns. Gamma rays and neutrons penetrate more deeply into tissue, so external exposure tends to affect deeper tissues and would require much higher doses to cause skin damage in the manner of a beta burn.

Beta radiation consists of fast electrons that have limited penetrating power. When the source is on or near the skin, these particles deposit most of their energy in the superficial layers of tissue, especially the epidermis and upper dermis. That concentrated energy delivery causes localized skin damage, redness, and in higher doses, burns known as beta burns.

Alpha particles, despite being highly ionizing, are stopped by the outer skin and typically pose a risk mainly if internalized, so they do not produce external skin burns. Gamma rays and neutrons penetrate more deeply into tissue, so external exposure tends to affect deeper tissues and would require much higher doses to cause skin damage in the manner of a beta burn.