Alpha radiation primarily affects which part of the body?

• A. Digestive system
• B. Lungs
• C. Skin
• D. Eyes

Answer: (B)

Alpha radiation consists of heavy, highly ionizing particles with very low penetrating power. That means it can’t travel far through air or deep into the body from outside. External exposure mostly doesn’t reach internal organs; the danger comes when alpha emitters are inside the body, such as by inhalation or ingestion. When inhaled, these particles lodge in the lungs and deliver a high local dose to lung tissue, increasing the risk of damage and cancer there. Ingested alpha sources would primarily affect the digestive tract, but the common exposure route that makes alpha most threatening to a specific organ is inhalation, which makes the lungs the most affected part. Therefore, the lungs are the best answer.