Monte Carlo simulation and practical investigation of body organs activation by Am–Be neutron source

Employees and cancer patients are exposed to neutron radiation from different sources for treatment. Neutrons when passing from body can activate organs. In this research first, it is tried to investigate the organs activation by irradiation of a part of the organs by Am–Be neutron source. The organ activation was measured by gamma radiation of organs using CsI(Tl) detector. Result was shown that the activation of bone was larger than others. Monte Carlo simulation by MCNPX and Geant4 toolkit was shown production the wide range of secondary particles and radioactive elements by neutron activation of body organs. Among the secondary particles, the ¹⁴C and ³²P radioactive elements with high half-life indicate the radiation hazards by working with Am–Be neutron source. The production of electrons, protons, and neutrons in organs also indicate the additional radiation hazards. The production of oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen also indicates the breaking of chemical bonds in tissue elements. The Monte Carlo simulation and practical result of gamma radiation confirms the activation of body organs by Am–Be neutron source with 22.91 ± 0.75 Bq/g average specific activity.