Beta particles cannot penetrate as deeply as gamma rays, but they can also damage living cells. Beta particles can cause severe skin burns if fallout is retained on the skin, and they can damage cells in the digestive tract if fallout is ingested with food or water. Instruments can measure the number of radiation exposure units in a given period. Total radiation exposure over a certain period of time is often referred to as a total dose, such as 700 R over a 7-day period. After fallout is deposited, radiation levels decrease with time.
Radiation levels decrease rapidly at first, and they more slowly.
Distance decreases radiation dose. The further you are from the radiation source, the smaller the dose you would receive. Programs of Clemson University Extension Service are open to all citizens regardless of ages, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. This page created and maintained by Bob Spalding of Cooperative Extension Service.