What is the absorption capability of beta radiation in human tissue?

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, fast-moving electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay. When considering its interaction with human tissue, it has a distinctive range of absorption.

In the context of human tissue, beta particles can penetrate the skin and travel several millimeters into the body. Typically, beta radiation can be absorbed by about 10mm of body tissue, which allows it to affect tissues beneath the skin. This depth of penetration is significant, especially in terms of potential biological effects, as beta radiation can cause ionization of atoms within living cells, leading to possible damage.

The reason that the absorption capability is specifically around 10mm of tissue is due to the energy and speed of beta particles. They have sufficient energy to pass through the outer layers of skin but are ultimately stopped by denser or thicker materials, such as those found deeper within the body. This characteristic illustrates the ability of beta radiation to potentially cause harm beyond just surface-level exposure, leading to a higher level of concern regarding safety and health protocols when dealing with radioactive materials that emit beta particles.