Why are INTERNAL exposures considered more concerning than external exposures?

INTERNAL exposures are considered more concerning than external exposures mainly because they provide a continuous radiation dose until decay occurs. When radioactive materials are ingested or inhaled, they can become part of the body's tissue or organs. Unlike external sources of radiation, which may only affect the body temporarily while exposure is occurring, internal sources can lead to prolonged radiation exposure due to the material's retention in the body. This continuous radiation can damage cells over time and increase the risk of developing health issues, such as cancer, as the radioactive material decays and emits radiation.

The potential for ongoing exposure places internal contamination in a more dangerous category when compared to external sources, which may only result in short-term exposure. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling internal exposures, as the effects can accumulate and persist long after the initial exposure has occurred.