Gamma radiation (denoted by the Greek letter ) is a form of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation consisting of photons emitted from an atomic nucleus. Unlike alpha radiation or beta radiation, which consist of particles with mass and charge, gamma rays are pure energy. They typically accompany other forms of decay as the nucleus transitions from an excited state to a lower energy state.
In the context of NORM, gamma radiation is primarily emitted by:
Because of its high penetration, gamma radiation represents a significant external hazard. Effective shielding requires high-density materials:
Monitoring is essential in environments where gamma-emitting scale or concentrates are handled. Workers should utilize personal dosimeters to track cumulative exposure and adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.