If personnel report skin burns after exposure to radiation, what type of radiation is most likely involved?

• A. Alpha radiation
• B. Beta radiation
• C. Roentgen (X-ray) radiation
• D. Gamma radiation

Answer: (C)

External, high-energy photon exposure causes skin damage by depositing energy in the skin tissue. X-rays are penetrating photons used in external exposure, and at high doses they can deliver enough energy to the skin to produce erythema and burns. Alpha particles have very limited penetration and would only burn skin if the source is in direct contact; beta particles can burn skin at very close range but don’t penetrate as deeply or cause external burns as commonly; gamma rays are also penetrating, but the scenario most closely aligns with external X-ray exposure, historically labeled Roentgen radiation. So X-ray radiation is the best match for causing skin burns in this context.