Why are reactions that emit alpha particles generally considered more safe than those that emit beta particles?

Beta particles emit gamma rays.
Alpha particles have no charge.
Beta particles travel at a very low speed.
Alpha particles can be blocked very easily.

Question

Why are reactions that emit alpha particles generally considered more safe than those that emit beta particles?

 Beta particles emit gamma rays.
 Alpha particles have no charge.
 Beta particles travel at a very low speed.
 Alpha particles can be blocked very easily.

micahm · Answer

Alpha particle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_particle
Wikipedia
They are generally produced in the process of alpha decay, but may also be produced in .... these have been referred to as alpha reactions (see for example triple alpha process). ... The energy of alpha particles emitted varies, with higher energy alpha .... Alpha decay is much more easily shielded against than other forms of ...
Ionizing radiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionizing_radiation
Wikipedia
Alpha particle emissions are generally produced in the process of alpha decay, ... Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain .... These free radicals may then react chemically with neighbouring materials even ... When alpha particle emitting isotopes are ingested, they are far more