Small is beautiful: low activity alpha and gamma sources for small-scale radiation protection research experiments. (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Płódowska, Magdalena; Lopez-Riego, Milagrosa; Akuwudike, Pamela; Sobota, Daniel; Filipek, Mateusz; Kłosowski, Mariusz; Kaźmierczak, Urszula; Brzozowska, Beata; Baliga, Agnieszka; Lisowska, Halina; Braziewicz, Janusz; Olko, Paweł; Lundholm, Lovisa; Wojcik, Andrzej
• Is Part Of: International journal of radiation biology. Volume 97:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 541
• Page End: 552
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Alpha radiation -- gamma radiation -- low dose -- low dose rate; Radiation -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; 571.45
• DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1867925
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-3002

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Uncertainties regarding the magnitude of health effects following exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation remain a matter of concern both for professionals and for the public. There is consensus within the international radiation research community that more research is required on biological effects of radiation doses below 100 mGy applied at low dose rates. Moreover, there is a demand for increasing education and training of future radiation researchers and regulators. Research, education and training is primarily carried out at universities but university-based radiation research is often hampered by limited access to radiation sources. The aim of the present report is to describe small and cost-effective low activity gamma and alpha sources that can easily be installed and used in university laboratories. Methods and results: A gamma radiation source was made from an euxenite-(Y) rock (Y, Ca, Ce, U, Th)(Nb, Ta, Ti)2 O6 ) that was found in an abandoned mine in Sweden. It allows exposing cells grown in culture dishes to radiation at a dose rate of 50 µ Gy/h and lower. Three alpha sources were custom-made and yield a dose rate of 1 mGy/h each. The construction, dosimetry and cellular effects of the sources are described. Conclusions: We hope that the report will stimulate research and training activities in the low dose field by facilitating access to radiation sources.