Which type of ionizing radiation is responsible for causing radiation burns that lead to irreversible skin changes?

Beta radiation is known for its ability to cause radiation burns, which can lead to irreversible skin changes. This type of radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay. Beta particles have moderate penetration power, which allows them to travel through air and penetrate the outer layers of skin.

When beta radiation comes into contact with skin, it can cause damage to the cells through ionization, leading to tissue injury. Prolonged or high doses of beta radiation can result in burns characterized by redness, blistering, and, in severe cases, deep tissue damage. The nature of these interactions with biological tissues means that beta radiation can significantly affect skin health, resulting in changes that may be irreversible if the exposure is substantial enough.

Understanding the damaging effects of different types of radiation is critical in safety protocols and medical treatments, particularly in fields such as oncology, where radiation therapy is used to target cancer cells, but must be carefully moderated to avoid damaging healthy tissues.