Gammakäsittely

Gammakäsittely is a Finnish term referring to gamma irradiation, a process that uses ionizing radiation from a cobalt-60 source to sterilize or modify materials. This method is widely employed in various industries due to its effectiveness and ability to penetrate packaging.

In the medical field, gammakäsittely is crucial for sterilizing single-use medical devices such as syringes, gloves, and surgical instruments. The radiation effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without significantly increasing the temperature of the product, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

Beyond healthcare, gammakäsittely finds applications in the food industry to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. It can be used to inhibit the sprouting of potatoes and onions, kill insects in grains, and reduce the bacterial load in spices and meats. The process can also be used to irradiate animal feed to eliminate pathogens.

In industrial settings, gammakäsittely is used to modify polymers, enhancing their properties like strength and heat resistance. It can also be employed to crosslink plastics, making them more durable. The radiation treatment is precise and controllable, allowing for specific material modifications.

The gammakäsittely process involves passing products through a chamber containing a gamma source. The radiation energy breaks down the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce, thus achieving sterilization. For material modification, the radiation initiates chemical reactions that alter the material's structure. Safety protocols are rigorously followed to ensure the protection of workers and the environment.