What is the primary safety concern associated with alpha particles?

The primary safety concern associated with alpha particles is inhalation or ingestion. Alpha particles are heavy and positively charged, which limits their ability to penetrate materials; they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even a few centimeters of air. This means that when considering external exposure, they are relatively harmless; however, the danger arises when alpha-emitting materials are taken into the body through inhalation or ingestion.

Once alpha particles are internalized, they can cause significant damage to biological tissues and cells due to their high mass and charge, leading to potential health risks such as cancer or other radiation-induced diseases. The localized energy deposition from alpha particles can severely impact delicate internal organs, making their management and safety priority critical in handling materials that emit alpha radiation.

While surface contamination and radiation leakage are important considerations in radiation safety, they are less of a specific concern with respect to alpha particles compared to the risks associated with inhalation or ingestion. Understanding the distinct nature of alpha particles helps in implementing appropriate safety measures for their handling and exposure.