"Tobacco plants are grown in soils with high-phosphate fertilizers that are naturally contaminated with the alpha-particle emitting radionuclide polonium-210.In one year, the average smoker will irradiate the bronchial epithelium with 8 to 9 rem, the equivalent dose of radiation from 250 to 300 chest X-ray films per year" (Pediatrics, September 1993, p.464).How many grays is equivalent to 8.5 rem for $\alpha$ particle emission? (RBE for $\alpha$ particles =20)

Question

"Tobacco plants are grown in soils with high-phosphate fertilizers that are naturally contaminated with the alpha-particle emitting radionuclide polonium-210.In one year, the average smoker will irradiate the bronchial epithelium with 8 to 9 rem, the equivalent dose of radiation from 250 to 300 chest X-ray films per year" (Pediatrics, September 1993, p.464).How many grays is equivalent to 8.5 rem for  $\alpha$  particle emission? (RBE for $\alpha$ particles =20)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1 rem = 0.01 Gy8.5 rem = 8.5 x 0.01 Gy = 0.085 Gy

"Tobacco Plants Are Grown in Soils with High-Phosphate Fertilizers That α\alphaα

"Tobacco Plants Are Grown in Soils with High-Phosphate Fertilizers That $\alpha$