Using Atomic Force Microscopy Methods, we studied the samples of the cathodes of multiwire proportional chambers after long-term irradiation with a beta-source 90Sr at the longevity test. The changes in the morphology of the copper foil surface at the cathode of the detector as a result of the influence of the electron flow are described. It is presented a quantitative assessment and analysis of the evolution of the resulting radiation defects depending on the irradiation conditions. It is shown the similarity of the radiation defects in the laboratory prototypes and in full scale proportional chambers that have been operated at the LHC for almost 10 years.