säteilysuojausdirektiivejä

Säteilysuojaus, also known as radiation shielding, refers to the measures taken to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves or energetic particles. This radiation can be harmful to living organisms, causing damage to cells and increasing the risk of cancer.

The principle behind säteilysuojaus is to place a barrier between the radiation source and the individual or object to be protected. The effectiveness of the shielding depends on several factors, including the type of radiation, its energy level, and the material used for shielding. Different types of radiation require different shielding materials. For instance, alpha particles are easily stopped by a sheet of paper, while gamma rays, which are highly penetrating, require dense materials like lead or concrete.

Common applications of säteilysuojaus are found in nuclear power plants, hospitals where radiation therapy is administered, and during research involving radioactive materials. In everyday life, even exposure to natural background radiation, such as from the sun or the Earth's crust, is a form of radiation, though typically at low levels. Advanced shielding techniques are also employed in spacecraft to protect astronauts from cosmic radiation. The goal of säteilysuojaus is to minimize the dose of radiation received to a level that is considered safe, thereby preventing potential health risks.