• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Radioactive Material

Please use the links below to jump to the section you wish to view, or scroll down this page to view the sections in order.

Radioactivity
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment

Radioactivity

Radiation is a general term used to describe the emission or transfer of energy, as waves or particles, through the air or other substances. In this context however, we refer to radioactivity as being from man-made sources, as opposed to the naturally occurring Radon Gas.

There are a number of sources of ionising radiation and all can interact with the human body to cause damage. Possible damage to the human body by ionising radiation depends on a number of factors.

• The amount of radiation involved
• The kind of ionising radiation which the body is exposed to (alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays)
• Whether the radiation source is inside or outside the body assuming the radiation source is inside the body, in what part of the body the source is located, how long it stays there and the type of organ which absorbs the radiation.
  

Man's activities can often involve the use of radioactive materials. The most important of these is in medical applications such as the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Some manufactured goods also contain small radioactive sources e.g. smoke detectors.

• Oswestry Borough Council maintains the public register of radioactive substances within the borough.

Radioactivity in Food and the Environment

A report was published in October by Defra, the Environment Agency and the Food Standards Agency in collaboration. The report presents an assessment of radioactive discharges and their effect upon the UK environment. Visit Defra's Website for more information on Radioactivity in Food and the Environment http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/index.htm