Final answer:
Protective coveralls shield workers from alpha radiation, which can harm internal organs if ingested or inhaled but cannot penetrate the skin. Gamma rays and X-rays require denser shielding due to their greater penetration power and potential to damage cells and DNA. Radiation marks should be decontaminated according to specific safety protocols to prevent the entry of radioactive materials into the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether radiation marks on the skin should be washed off is related to health and safety protocols when dealing with radioactive materials. When workers are exposed to potential radiation, they wear protective coveralls to protect against certain types of radiation. These coveralls are particularly effective at shielding from alpha radiation, which has a very short range in biological tissues and is not typically able to penetrate the dead outer layers of human skin. However, it is capable of causing significant harm if ingested or inhaled, as internal organs are not protected like the skin is.
Other types of ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, have greater penetration power and require more dense shielding to provide protection. The harm caused by these types of radiation can include damage to living cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer. Washing off radiation marks may be a prescribed safety procedure depending on the context and type of radiation, but it's always important to follow the specific decontamination guidance provided by health and safety experts.
In cases where radioactive material has contaminated the skin, decontamination protocols, which could include washing the affected area, would need to be followed to prevent the alpha particles from entering the body. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, commonly from the sun, is a leading cause of skin malignancies, thus illustrating that different forms of radiation can have varying effects on the skin and overall health.