Which type of radiation is known to be more hazardous when inside the body?

Alpha particles are considered more hazardous when they are inside the body due to their high mass and positive charge. When alpha particles are emitted, they interact strongly with matter, causing significant ionization over a short range. Inside the body, this ionization can lead to severe cellular damage and increase the risk of cancer and other health complications.

Unlike X-rays and gamma rays, which have greater penetrating abilities and can pass through body tissues without causing as much localized damage, alpha particles can be particularly dangerous when ingested or inhaled. When alpha-emitting materials enter the body, they deposit a large amount of energy over a very small distance, leading to high levels of ionization in the tissues they interact with. This localized damage can result in drastic effects at the cellular level, making alpha radiation particularly hazardous compared to other radiation types like beta particles, which are less damaging due to their lower mass and charge and their relatively lower ionization potential.