Which type of radiation can cause internal organ damage if ingested or inhaled?

Alpha radiation is the type of radiation that can cause significant internal organ damage if ingested or inhaled. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively large and positively charged. When alpha-emitting substances are taken into the body, such as through inhalation or ingestion, these particles can cause substantial damage to internal tissues and organs.

Alpha particles have low penetration power, meaning they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin, which is why they are not as damaging from external exposure. However, when they enter the body, they can release their energy directly within close proximity to sensitive internal cells, leading to serious cellular damage and potentially increasing the risk of cancer.

In contrast, beta radiation, while also harmful, has a different interaction with biological tissues, which generally makes it less damaging when compared to the specific localized damage that alpha particles can inflict when within the body. Gamma radiation, being highly penetrating electromagnetic radiation, poses a significant risk from external exposure and can damage tissues as well, but it does not have the same severe localized internal effect as alpha particles when ingested. Electromagnetic radiation is a broader category that includes gamma rays and other waveforms; it does not specifically refer to any