Beta radiation primarily affects which part of the body?

Beta radiation primarily affects the skin, eyes, and extremities due to its higher energy and ability to penetrate the outer layers of tissue compared to alpha particles, which are much less penetrating. When beta radiation is emitted, it can travel a short distance in air and can penetrate materials such as human skin; however, it is less effective at penetrating deeper tissues. This means that the areas of the body that are most exposed to beta radiation during an incident—such as the outer layers of skin and sensitive areas like the eyes—are at a higher risk of damage from beta particles.

Beta particles can cause significant biological damage to the skin and can lead to conditions such as radiation burns or skin cancer over prolonged exposure. In contrast, while internal organs can be affected if beta-emitting radioactive isotopes are ingested or inhaled, this would not be the primary concern in terms of external exposure to beta radiation. Therefore, the correct focus is on the skin, eyes, and extremities where the risk of immediate effects is highest.