Radioactive elements emit ionizing radiation as their atoms undergo radioactive decay." ( Source) Ionizing radiation comes from x-ray machines, cosmic particles from outer space, and radioactive elements. "Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living things, so it poses a health risk by damaging tissue and DNA in genes. Common rocks which are most likely to have significant amounts of NORM are granite, black shale, and limestone with phosphate minerals. ( See page on Radon) It should be noted, however, that most rock does not have significant amounts of NORM. ( Source) Natural earthen building materials such as concrete blocks, granite, gypsum, and limestone can be a source of alpha particle exposure. Note: There is an interesting USGS publication on Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) and Oil/Gas Brines and production water. NORM can be associated with oil/gas development, landfills, brine water, oil field brines, some igneous and metamorphic rock, sedimentary rock weathered from igneous/metamorphic rock, and even some limestone deposits. Alpha particles are positively charged and made up of two protons and two neutrons these particles are emitted from materials classified as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Gross alpha is the total amount of energy that is released from naturally-occurring radionuclides and some of the heaviest radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, radium, lead, radon, and polonium as they breakdown or decay. One form of ionizing radiation is alpha particles and the other two are known as beta particles and gamma rays. Get Informed | Gross Alpha What is Gross Alpha?ĭuring radioactive decay of radionuclides, energy is emitted in the form of ionizing radiation.
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