We cannot detect ionizing radiation with our senses. Different types of instruments are used to detect and identify radioactive materials and ionizing radiation:
- Personal Radiation Detector (PRD): A small wearable device designed to detect and alert the wearer of the presence, or small increase in the levels of ionizing radiation.
- Handheld Survey Meter: A portable radiation detector and measuring device that is able to measure the levels of radiation in the environment or of a particular object.
- Radiation Isotope Identification Device (RIID): A device designed to determine the identity of radioactive materials by measuring the energy of emitted gamma rays.