Beta external hazard characteristics include which of the following?

• A. Cannot Penetrate Skin
• B. Can Penetrate Skin, Affects Eyes, Skin, and Extremities
• C. Only External Hazard to Eyes
• D. External Hazard But Does Not Affect Skin

Answer: (B)

Beta radiation as an external hazard can penetrate the outer layer of skin to a shallow depth, meaning exposure can affect skin and, at higher energies, tissues just beneath the surface. It can also impact the eyes, especially with direct exposure to the eye tissues, and prolonged or localized exposure to exposed skin on the hands, arms, or other extremities can produce skin effects. So, an external beta hazard is characterized by its ability to penetrate skin and affect skin, eyes, and extremities. Statements claiming it cannot penetrate skin, or that it affects only the eyes, or that it does not affect skin, don’t accurately describe external beta hazards.