FNH 200 Chapter Notes -Food Irradiation, Cobalt-60, Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission
6 Aug 2013
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Document Summary
Module 10: preservation of food with ionizing energy. Food irradiation = controversial method of food preservation. Controversy stems from unknown and unfamiliar radioactive fallout, accidents at nuclear plants, confusion in minds of general public with radiation-related phenomena (nuclear war, weapons) Radiation = emission and propagation of energy ( found within electromagnetic spectrum of radiation) through matter/space by electromagnetic disturbances. Radio waves , microwaves, visible light, ionizing energy: different forms of energy vary in frequency, wavelength, energy value, penetrating power, effects on biological systems. Long wavelengths, low penetrating power: microwaves, visible light, ir, uv rays. Microwaves = heating properties; absorbed by food up to 5-7. 5 cm depth; waves travel in straight lines through air, glass, paper, plastic, reflected by metals; absorbed by water. => heat generated via intermolecular friction from vibrating water m/c in food. Infrared energy = can generate heat; reach temperatures above 100 c; ovens, toasters,
