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 are heavy and positively charged, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. While alpha radiation cannot penetrate the skin and is relatively harmless from an external perspective, when alpha-emitting materials are ingested or inhaled, they become a source of radiation inside the body.

The large mass and charge of alpha particles mean they can cause substantial ionization in nearby atoms, leading to tissue damage. This can result in cellular damage or mutations that might lead to serious health issues, such as cancer.

In contrast, beta radiation consists of lighter particles that can penetrate skin but are generally less damaging to organs unless they are directly in contact. Gamma radiation, although highly penetrating and harmful in terms of external exposure, is less likely to cause damage if it is ingested since gamma rays mostly pass through the body without interacting significantly with the organs. Electromagnetic radiation encompasses a broad spectrum, including visible light and radio waves, none of which cause internal organ damage in terms of radiation exposure like alpha radiation does.

In conclusion, alpha radiation is particularly dangerous when it enters the body, making it the correct answer in this context.