Radiation source and radioactive source have different meanings in nature.
A radiation source is a substance or device that produces radiation, which can be electromagnetic radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, etc.) or particle radiation (e.g., alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, etc.). Sources of radiation usually include various types of nuclear reactors, particle gas pedals, X-ray tubes, ultraviolet lamps, and other equipment.
A radioactive source is a substance that produces radiation through a spontaneous radioactive decay process, and these substances usually contain a radioactive isotope with a specific half-life. Radioactive sources can be metallic, gaseous, liquid, or solid, and can be naturally occurring (e.g., uranium, radon) or artificially created (e.g., medical radiotracer).
Radiation sources thus encompass all substances and devices that produce radiation, while radioactive sources refer specifically to those substances that produce radiation through radioactive decay. In some cases, radiation sources and radioactive sources may overlap.
Because some substances can produce radiation both by spontaneous radioactive decay and by other means (e.g., heating, ionization, etc.). However, they are not the same concept.
Occupational Exposure to Radiation Sources
Occupational exposure is generally defined as the exposure of a person engaged in the occupation due to the conditions of the work. The definition of occupational exposure should be determined by the regulatory and competent authorities in each country. For example, when a doctor x-rays a patient, both are exposed.
The patient is exposed medically, while the doctor is exposed occupationally. Similarly, an airplane crew is exposed to occupational exposure, while passengers are exposed to natural sources of radiation.