Does a Person with Radiation Sickness Emit Radiation?

Whether a person with radiation sickness emits radiation is a complex inquiry, one that requires a thorough understanding of the different types of radiation exposure and their effects on the human body.

The Types of Radiation Exposure

The emission of radiation from a person post-radiation exposure depends on the type and source of the radiation. Here's what we need to consider:

External vs. Internal Radiation

External radiation exposure is sourced from radioactive substances outside the body. In the case of beta or gamma radiation, the individual does not emit radiation after exposure. Alpha radiation, however, is stopped very easily by physical barriers; it's highly unlikely to cause harm even if ingested.

Internal Radiation Exposure

When a person ingests alpha-radiating substances, the body becomes a shield, and the individual is not emitting radiation to the surroundings. However, in cases of gamma or beta-emitting substances, the individual is indeed emitting radiation, as the substances continue to radiate within the body.

Contamination

In instances where a person has been contaminated with radioactive substances on their skin or clothes, they are emitting radiation until the contamination is removed. This is particularly relevant in treatments involving radioiodine, where a massive dose can render the patient a radiation hazard.

Specific Situations to Be Aware Of

There are two main exceptions to the rule, where a person with radiation sickness may indeed emit radiation:

Internal Contamination

If the individual's exposure includes ingesting radioactive material, the substance continues to emit radiation from within the body.

Neutron Flux Exposure

In rare cases, exposure to a large neutron flux can cause the individual's body to become radioactive. This is a highly unusual scenario.

Acute Radiation Syndrome and Emission of Radiation

Radiation sickness, formally referred to as Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), is not a result of emitting radiation but a consequence of cell damage caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation causes damage by breaking chemical bonds, potentially damaging DNA, but it does not make substances radioactive by default.

A substance becomes radioactive when it contains atoms with unstable nuclei. Radioactivity is not an attribute that can be passed to another object directly.

Decontamination and Safety

In cases where a person has been exposed to radioactive material, decontamination is a critical step to reduce both the individual's radiation dose and the risk to others. The decontamination process includes removing radioactive substances from the affected areas externally and internally, if necessary.

Conclusion: Most people with radiation sickness do not emit radiation at levels higher than before the event, unless they are internally contaminated or exposed to neutron radiation. Proper management and decontamination are essential to ensure safety and reduce risks.