Damage will result in either case but will be different in character. The energy deposited in any material by any type of radiation. Dose Equivalent describes biological effects, hence the values of REM's produced by several sources of different types of radiation may be added. High-energy radiation of any type will be hazardous whether the source is internal or external to the body. If any nuclide is ingested, its total energy is deposited in the soft tissue of the most susceptible organ, resulting in serious damage.
Neutrons behave in the same way, and are damaging at all energy levels.
A 10 m Ci 144 Ce source, emitting b particles up to 2.995 MeV through its thin exit window. What is the total DE received during a 5 hour session at the bench for Experiment 16 in Room 207 E. Bridge .