My point is that gamma/beta radiation is not "in the form of iodine". Iodine releases radiation; this radiation is the same, wherever it came from. Gamma and b

My point is that gamma/beta radiation is not "in the form of iodine". Iodine releases radiation; this radiation is the same, wherever it came from. Gamma and beta radiations can in fact be meaningfully compared on their effect on the body. The nature of the rays is taken into account when calculating the rem dose. See the radiation quality factors: http://www.nuclear.utah.edu/class_notes/5700/sup_9.doc http://www.nuclear.utah.edu/class_notes/5700/sup_9.doc