The majority of the radiation produced by particle collisions is absorbed by the accelerator components. The majority of the radionuclides have short half-lives, the typical half-life being 5.3 years. This means that they are radioactive for only a very short time. Within the CERN facilities the radiation is dealt with following the appropriate radiation protection regulations and standards. The air used for the ventilation and the water used for the cooling of the accelerators can contain small amounts of radioactive elements. All the necessary actions are taken to prevent these from reaching the environment.

Related articles