Which type of radiation poses the most serious health risk if ingested or inhaled?

Gamma radiation poses the most serious health risk when ingested or inhaled due to its penetrating power and ability to travel through the body. Unlike alpha and beta radiation, which are charged particles and can be stopped by materials like paper or skin, gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves that can penetrate deeply into tissues and organs.

When gamma radiation is ingested or inhaled, it can cause cellular damage at a much deeper level, increasing the risk of both immediate health effects and long-term consequences such as cancer. Its high penetration ability means that even a small amount of radioactive material emitting gamma radiation can lead to significant biological harm, as it can affect cells throughout the body.

In comparison, while alpha radiation can be extremely harmful if ingested or inhaled due to its high mass and charge, its limited range means it cannot penetrate the skin or travel through air effectively. Beta radiation is also less penetrating than gamma radiation, though it can still pose risks if it comes into direct contact with biological tissues or is inhaled.