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26. (a) Outline ONE method that is used to detect radiation to ensure the safety of workers that use radioisotopes - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 26 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 26
26. (a) Outline ONE method that is used to detect radiation to ensure the safety of workers that use radioisotopes. Radiographers could wear radiation badges contai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:26. (a) Outline ONE method that is used to detect radiation to ensure the safety of workers that use radioisotopes - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 26 - 2018 - Paper 1
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Step 2
Analyse the impact on society of the use of ONE named radioisotope, with reference to its properties
Answer
Technetium-99m is a radioisotope commonly used in medical diagnostic procedures such as scanning of internal organs for blood clots. This has impacts on society by increasing life expectancy and by improving quality of life through early diagnosis. As a gamma-emitter, Tc-99m is easily detected by a camera during a scan. However, the gamma-radiation does pose a health risk especially if the radioisotope is retained in the body for a long-term basis. This risk is mitigated by the fact that the isotope has a short half-life of 6 hours, which allows it to be injected into a patient but removed from the body quickly. The use of Technetium-99m may be beneficial in medical imaging, possibly to urban areas that risk not receiving adequate access to imaging services in society and informing the public about the potential health risks.