Which body part is primarily affected by alpha radiation?

• A. Lungs
• B. Skin
• C. Whole body
• D. Eyes

Answer: (A)

Alpha radiation is highly ionizing but has very low penetrating power, so external exposure cannot reach deep tissues. When alpha emitters are inhaled or swallowed, they deliver most of their energy over a very short distance directly to nearby cells. The lungs become the primary target because inhaled alpha particles deposit in lung tissue and cause concentrated damage there. This local, high-dose effect in the lungs is why they’re the most affected body part. Surface exposure to alpha can irritate the skin, but it doesn’t penetrate to affect deeper organs, and whole-body exposure isn’t typical for alpha due to its short range.