HOW RADIATION SUITS WORK

These garments stop this invisible form of energy from wreaking havoc on the human body

- SCOTT DUTFIELD

Whether it's the first responders to a radioactive detonation, radiographers conducting an X-ray examination or nuclear power plant workers, radiation-resistant garments can help prevent the harmful effects caused by radioactive substances through a process called irradiation. There are four major types of radiation: alpha, beta, neutron and electromagnetic. Each comes with its own health risks, from causing skin burns to mutating and damaging DNA, which can lead to the development of cancer.

Some radiation is easier to block than others. For example, alpha particles, such as those released from uranium, can be blocked by a piece of paper or your skin. But when those particles are inhaled through the nose, they can lead to lung cancer. Some electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, such as gamma rays, require thick layers of material such as lead to block them completely.

To prevent these types of radiation from entering and wreaking havoc on the human body, specialised hazardous materials suits are deployed. The term 'hazmat suit' is used to cover a range of protective gear. This may include suits designed to shield the wearer from biological hazards, chemical exposure and viruses, whereas others can be used to block particles of harmful radiation.