Which type of radiation is considered the most hazardous from an internal hazard perspective?

Alpha rays are considered the most hazardous from an internal exposure perspective due to their unique characteristics. These particles have a high mass and a positive charge, which allows them to inflict significant damage to biological tissues when they are absorbed by the body.

When alpha-emitting materials are ingested or inhaled, they can interact directly with the cells in close proximity, leading to substantial biological effects, including ionization of cellular components and potential damage to DNA. This high level of damage can result in increased risks for cancer and other health complications.

In contrast, beta rays, gamma rays, and X-rays have distinct properties that make them less hazardous when it comes to internal exposure. Beta particles can penetrate bodily tissues but are less damaging than alpha particles due to their smaller size and lower mass. Gamma rays and X-rays are more penetrating and can pass through the body without causing as much localized damage, making them less of a concern when internalized compared to alpha particles. Thus, when assessing internal contamination, alpha radiation stands out as particularly dangerous.