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Neutron radiation is a form of ionizing radiation that presents as free neutrons. Typical phenomena are nuclear fission or nuclear fusion causing the release of free neutrons, which then react with nuclei of other atoms to form new nuclides —which, in turn, may trigger further neutron radiation.
Nuclear workers are occasionally exposed to neutrons, but their numbers are small, and they typically will also be exposed to higher doses of γ-radiation. Several studies have been carried out on airline crews because of their exposure to neutrons from cosmic rays during high-altitude flights.
Oil-field workers are exposed to low doses of neutron radiation during ‘well logging’, in which γ-ray or neutron sources are used to assess the geological structures in a bore hole. The typical annual dose equivalents from exposure to neutrons are 1–2 mSv (Fujimoto et al., 1985).
High levels of neutron irradiation occur in patients receiving neutron therapy, while low levels of neutron exposure occur in patients treated with high energy photons and protons.
Sublethal administration (<4.5 Gy) of mixed-field radiation (67% neutron exposure) preferentially led to a reduction in the number of circulating peripheral blood cells, bone marrow cells (with reduced function), T cells in the spleen and lung (but not in the liver), and an altered circulating cytokine profile.
Neutron radiation is an uncharged particle that is emitted during a nuclear detonation almost exclusively from the fission and fusion processes themselves. Important factors that will prevent or minimize the effects of radiation exposure on humans include the principles of time, distance, and shielding.
27 lip 2023 · People are exposed to natural sources of ionizing radiation, such as in soil, water, and vegetation, as well as in human-made sources, such as x-rays in medical devices. Ionizing radiation has many beneficial applications, including uses in medicine, industry, agriculture and research.
