• chaogomu@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    It depends heavily on the fuel used.

    See, some decay chains have gamma emitters in the line. Those are not good to have around people without several meters of lead, concrete, or water. All things that are a bit too heavy for a car.

    • tsonfeir@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      Ahh, so unless we have a few meters of protection, we will die.

      That’s a good reason.

      • chaogomu@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Well, you’ll likely not die from a source the size of a poppy seed, but you’ll likely have a bad time.

        Localized radiation burns on whatever body part is closest to the pellet.

        If, on the other hand, you choose your fuel well, a thin sheet of metal is more than enough protection. Beta radiation can be blocked by a sheet of paper, and an alpha emitter is only dangerous if you swallow or breathe it.