An aerosol ventilation scintigraphy is a nuclear medical imaging procedure that records the distribution of an inhaled radioactive aerosol within the bronchopulmonary system.
Aerosol ventilation in the gamma camera section does not constitute a significant radiation hazard to personnel. Patient compliance is an important factor to minimizing the dose. Clear instructions and practice are a vital part of the diagnostic imaging procedure.

See also Lung Scintigraphy, Aerosol Method, Gas Ventilation Scintigraphy and Inhalation Scintigraphy.

Annihilation in general refers to the transition of a particle and its antiparticle by collision into something different, depending on their energies and based on the conservation of energy and momentum. The electromagnetic radiation emitted is the result of the annihilation (combination and disappearance) of an electron and a positron. Two gamma rays of 0.511 MeV energy, assuming very low-energy particles, are emitted perpendicular to each other.

Henri Becquerel demonstrated beta particles in 1900. Identical with electrons is there negative charge at -1. Their mass is 549 millionths of one AMU, 1/2000 of the mass of a proton or neutron. Beta particles consist of high energetic electrons emitted by radioactive nuclei or neutrons. By the process of beta decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus is transformed into a proton and a new atom is formed which has one less neutron but one more proton in the core. Beta decay is accompanied by the emission of a positron (the antiparticle of the electron), a positive charged antineutrino. Beta particles have a greater range of penetration than alpha particles but less than gamma rays or x-rays. The name beta was coined by Rutherford in 1897. The traveling speed of beta particles depends on their energy. Because of their small mass and charge beta particles travel deep into tissues and cause cellular damage and possible cancer.

See also Radiation Shielding.

Radiation can ionize matter caused by the high energy which displaces electrons during interactions with atoms. In the electromagnetic spectrum higher frequency ultraviolet radiation begins to have enough energy to ionize matter.
Examples of ionizing radiation include alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, high-speed electrons, high-speed protons, and other particles capable of producing ions by direct or secondary processes in passage through tissues.
Damage of living tissue results from the transfer of energy to atoms and molecules in the cellular structure. Ionized cells have to repair themselves to remain alive. Generally, healthy cells have a higher capability to repair themselves than cancer cells.

Biological effects of ionizing radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation are used in a wide range of facilities, including health care, research institutions, nuclear reactors and their support facilities, and other manufacturing settings. These radiation sources can pose a serious hazard to affected people and environment if not properly controlled.

See also Radiation Safety, Controlled Area, Radiotoxicity and As Low As Reasonably Achievable.