A SHORT GLOSSARY OF NUCLEAR TERMS

alpha rays: large, slow radioactive particles emitted
from the nucleus of an atom. They can cause great
damage if inhaled or ingested.

Background radiation: radiation coming from space
or from the earth without the radiation produced
from nuclear power plants.

Beta rays: radioactive particles emitted from an atom,
that are smaller and faster than alpha rays.

Effluents: radioactive outflow in a liquid gaseous or
solid form from some part of the nuclear fuel cycle.

gamma rays: radioactive particles emitted from an
atom that are smaller and faster than alpha and
beta rays and can penetrate steel and concrete.

Genetic effects: those effects of radiation that are
not seen in the body of the irradiated person
during their lifetime, but that are present and are
transmitted to their offspring in some later
generation.

Half life: the number of years required for the
decay of half the radioactivity in a radioactive
substance.

Health effects: the effects of radiation exposure
on the body including death, disease, and
genetic defects.

Irradiation: being exposed to radiation.

Latent effects: damaging effects of radiation
exposure which do not appear until some
years after irradiation.


Meltdown: a serious nuclear accident in which
the cooling systems in a nuclear reactor do not
prevent the nuclear fuel core from melting with
the potential associated release of large amounts
of radiation in our air, water, and food chain.

NRC: NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION:  
An agency established by congress in 1974 to provide
regulatory controls for the nuclear industry for the
protection of the public health.

Radiation: the emission and propagation of energy
through space or through matter in the form of
particles and waves. Radiation emanates from
atoms and molecules undergoing internal change.

Rad : this refers to the radiation absorbed dose.

Rem: this refers to the radiation dose equivalent in man.
The relation between rad and rem depends on the
kind of particle emitting the radiation:
for gamma rays, 1 rad = 1 rem;
for beta, 1 rad = 10 rem;
for alpha, 1 rad = 30 rem.

The above short glossary taken from the book:
SHUT DOWN nuclear power on trial.
ISBN 0-913990-21-3
(from the hard copy book)

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