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SCIENCE
Quarter 2- Module 3
The Effects of EM Radiations on
Living Things and Environment

Photo: Sunset
Captured by: Elmar M. Dongallo

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 Department of Education ● Republic of the
Philippines

Lesson Risks of Non-Ionizing

1 Radiation
A. Overview

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the different types of non-

ionizing radiations and describe the possible effects to living things and
environment.
The activities found in this lesson are crafted with the goal of allowing
you to ponder easily and confidently on the concept of non-ionizing radiation.
So, explore and have fun in learning!
 Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Identify the different types of non-ionizing radiation;
2. Describe the possible effects of non-ionizing radiations to living
things and environment. Prior Knowledge

In the past lesson, you have understood some practical applications of

the different regions of the electromagnetic waves and its benefits to the living
things and environment.

B. Presentation

Radiation exists all around us, from both natural and manmade sources,
and is in two forms: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Let us study first the different types of non-ionizing radiations and cite
some possible effects to livings things and environment.
.

 Concept Development

Non-Ionizing Radiation and Its Risks

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 Non-Ionizing radiation is a type of low-energy radiation that does not
have enough energy to remove an electron (negative particle) from an atom
or molecule. Most types of non-ionizing radiation have not been found to
cause cancer. This radiation exists all around us from many sources. Non-
ionizing radiation includes visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light;
microwaves; radio waves; and radiofrequency energy from cell phones.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Types of Non-Ionizing Radiation

1. Radio Waves

AM and FM radio broadcasts, Wi-Fi signals, cell phones, amateur

radio, television and airport security scanners use radio frequency (RF)
waves. This type of non-ionizing radiation is absorbed throughout the body.
The effects of RF waves on the body are similar to MW radiation in terms of
heat generation. Exposure to electromagnetic fields in this frequency range
can warm up exposed tissues because these absorb the radio wave and
convert these into heat.

The frequency level determines the depth of penetration into the body.
For example, using a cell phone causes the ear and/or head to get warm.
Warming up by this radiation is the most dangerous for the brain, eyes,
genitals, stomach, liver and kidneys. There is no scientific proof that RF non-
ionizing radiation increases the risk of cancer or causes any harmful effects
on the body.

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 Extremely low frequency (ELF) waves are on the far end of the
electromagnetic spectrum and come from power lines, electrical equipment
and wiring, and electrical appliances such as electric blankets, refrigerators,
razors and hair dryers. ELF waves can go through water so they are also
used for detection by submarines. According to the National Cancer Institute,
there is no experimental evidence showing that normal levels of ELF radiation
are dangerous to humans.

2. Microwaves

Microwave radiation (MW) comes from microwave ovens, radar,

transmission towers, satellite transmissions, the sun and Cosmic Microwave
Background (CMB) radiation. CMB is radiation left over from the Big Bang
when the universe began. Atoms and molecules can also emit and absorb
MW radiation. Overexposure to MW radiation can cause cataracts and skin
burns.

3. Infrared

Everything on Earth gives off some amount of infrared (IR) radiation.

The human eye can’t see most of the IR spectrum, but we can feel it as heat.
About half of the total energy the sun gives off is in the form of IR radiation,
which we feel as heat. In large amounts, this type of radiation can damage the
eyes and even cause blindness. IR radiation from the sun is normally
absorbed by the Earth’s surface and the clouds, then released as heat into
the atmosphere.

When the atmosphere has a lot of water vapor, along with nitrogen,
sulfur and fluorocarbons, the IR radiation gets trapped and causes the
atmospheric temperature to rise. This is called the greenhouse effect.
Temperature increases like this cause changes in the weather patterns on
Earth and lead to climate change.

4. Visible Light

The visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can be seen

by humans, animals and other organisms. This type of light consists of seven
colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. When all the colors
are present at one time, the light is white. Rainbows are created when visible
light passes through raindrops. The raindrops act like a prism and break the
light down into its individual colors. Overexposure to visible light can damage
both the eyes and skin.

5. Ultraviolet

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 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, welding, black lights
and UV lasers. The sun emits UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The UVC rays are
absorbed by the ozone layer and never actually reach the Earth. Both UVA
and UVB light are important for humans in the production of Vitamin D.
However, the effects of overexposure to UV rays can be negative and can be
immediate or delayed. Sunburn, skin cancer and cataracts develop over time
with excessive exposure.

6. Lasers

Lasers aren’t a form of non-ionizing radiation, but they are made from
it. The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. Lasers stimulate atoms and molecules and cause
them to produce light and concentrate it into a beam of radiation. Lasers can
be made from visible light, UV and IR waves. Store checkout scanners, CD
and DVD players, remote controls, dental drills, laser pointers and laser
printers all use lasers. When not used properly, lasers burn and cause severe
damage to tissues, especially in the eye. The narrow beam of light
concentrates the effects on the retina, causing blind spots.

E. Post-Assessment

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the
LETTER of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. According to the National Cancer Institute, what form of non-ionizing

radiations have no experimental evidence showing that at normal levels of this
radiation is dangerous to human.
A. Infrared C. Microwave
B. Extremely low frequency D. Visible light
2. Both UVA and UVB light are important for humans in the production of
Vitamin D in the skin and gives us tanning effects. Overexposure to UV
radiation may cause___________.
A. Asthma B. Cancer C. Heart failure D. High blood pressure
3. Which of the following in NOT an example of non-ionizing radiation?
A. Microwave B. Ultraviolet C. Visible light D. X-ray
4. Exposure to normal levels of extremely low frequency (ELF) waves
causes_________
A. Asthma C. Severe burns
B. Brain damage D. No damaging effects
5. Child like fetus is in great danger than adult from the exposure of
microwave radiation. A. False B. True

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 Lesson Risks of Ionizing
2 Radiations
A. Overview

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the different types of ionizing

radiations and describe the possible effects to living things and environment.
The activities found in this lesson are crafted with the goal of allowing
you to ponder easily and confidently on the concept of ionizing radiation.
So, explore and have fun in learning!
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify the different types of ionizing radiation;
2. Describe the possible effects of ionizing radiations to living things
and environment.
Prior Knowledge

In the past lesson, you have understood that non-ionizing radiation is a

type of low-energy radiation that does not have enough energy to remove an
electron (negative particle) from an atom or molecule.
Non-ionizing radiation includes visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light;
microwaves; radio waves; and radiofrequency energy from cell phone.
Most types of non-ionizing radiation have not been found to cause
cancer.
B. Presentation

Radiation exists all around us, from both natural and manmade sources,
and is in two forms: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

This time, let us study the ionizing radiations and cite some possible
effects of radiations hazards to livings things and environment.

 Concept Development

Ionizing Radiation and Its Risks

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in

the form of electromagnetic waves like gamma or X-rays and particles like
neutrons, beta and alpha. The spontaneous disintegration of atoms is called
radioactivity, and the excess energy emitted is a form of ionizing radiation.

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 It is well known that high doses of ionizing radiation can cause harm,
but there is continuing scientific uncertainty about the effects at low doses. At
levels of dose routinely encountered by members of the public and most
present-day radiation workers, there is little
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health effects. Radiation protection standards recognize that it is not possible
to eliminate all radiation exposure, but they do provide for a system of control
to avoid unnecessary exposure and to keep doses in the low dose range.

Types of Ionizing Radiation and Its Risks

Source: https://www.mirion.com/learning-center/radiation-safety-basics/types-of-ionizing-radiation

1. ALPHA RADIATION
The health effect from exposure to alpha particles depends greatly on
how a person is exposed. Alpha particles lack the energy to penetrate even
the outer layer of skin, so exposure to the outside of the body is not a major
14 can be very harmful. If alpha-emitters
concern. Inside the body, however, they
are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the alpha particles
can damage sensitive living tissue.
The way these large, heavy particles cause damage makes them more
dangerous than other types of radiation. This results in more severe damage
to cells and DNA.

Source: Mirion Technologies

Alpha radiation: The emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus of an atom
.
2. BETA RADIATION

Beta particles are more

penetrating than alpha particles, but are
less damaging to living tissue and DNA
because the ionizations they produce are
more widely spaced. They travel farther
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Beta radiation: The emission of a beta

particle from the nucleus of an atom.
Source: Mirion Technologies
in air than alpha particles, but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or by a
thin layer of a substance such as aluminum. Some beta particles are capable
of penetrating the skin and causing damage such as skin burns. However, as
with alpha-emitters, beta-emitters are most hazardous when they are inhaled
or swallowed.

3. GAMMA RADIATION

Gamma radiation, unlike alpha

or beta, does not consist of any
particles, instead consisting of a
photon of energy being emitted
from an unstable nucleus. Having
no mass or charge, gamma
radiation can travel much farther Gamma radiation: The emission of an
through air than alpha or beta. The high-energy wave from the nucleus of an
atom. Source: Mirion Technologies
extremely high energy of gamma
rays allows them to penetrate just about anything. They can even pass
through bones and teeth. This makes gamma rays very dangerous. They can
destroy living cells, produce gene mutations, and cause cancer. Ironically, the
deadly effects of gamma rays can be used to treat cancer. In this type of
treatment, a medical device sends out focused gamma rays that target
cancerous cells. The gamma rays kill the cells and destroy the cancer.

4. X-RAYS

X-rays are similar to gamma radiation, with the primary difference

being that they originate from the electron cloud.
X-rays can cause mutations in our DNA and, therefore, might lead to
cancer later in life. For this reason, X-rays are classified as a carcinogen by
both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States
government.
While X-rays are linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer, there is an
extremely low risk of short-term side effects. Exposure to high radiation levels
can have a range of effects, such as vomiting, bleeding, fainting, hair loss,
and the loss of skin and hair.
All X-rays are dangerous because they can damage healthy living cells
of the body. This is the reason why frequent exposure to X-rays should be
avoided. Too much exposure to X-rays can damage body tissues and can
cause cancer.

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 X-Rays: The emission of a high energy wave from the electron cloud of an
atom

5. NEUTRON RADIATION

Lastly, Neutron radiation consists of a free neutron, usually emitted as

a result of spontaneous or induced nuclear fission. Able to travel hundreds or
even thousands of meters in air, they are however able to be effectively
stopped if blocked by a hydrogen-rich material, such as concrete or water.
Neutrons are, in fact, the only type of radiation that is able to turn other
materials radioactive.
In health physics neutron radiation is a type of radiation hazard. Another,
sometimes more severe hazard of neutron radiation, is neutron activation, the
ability of neutron radiation to induce 18 radioactivity in most substances it
encounters.

Neutron radiation: the emission of a neutron from the nucleus of an atom

Try to perform the next activities about ionizing radiations.

E. Post-Assessment

True or False: Write the word True if the statement is correct

and False if not.

1. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause cancer.

2. Too much exposure to X-rays can damage body tissues and can cause
cancer.
3. Process in which alpha and beta rays pass close to atoms and knocks
electrons out is called ionization.
4. Cells that normally proliferate more rapidly are most sensitive to
ionizing radiation.
5. Strongest ionizing radiation is X-ray.

Lesson Solutions to Reduced EM

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 3 Radiation Hazards
A. Overview

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the possible solutions on how to

reduce this EM radiation hazards like non-ionizing and ionizing radiations.
The activities found in this lesson are crafted with the goal of allowing
you to ponder easily and confidently on the concept of EM radiation hazards.
So, explore and have fun in learning!
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify the possible solutions on how to reduce EM radiation
hazards like non-ionizing and ionizing radiations from its exposures.

 Concept Development

How to Reduce Radiation Exposures?

Radiation is part of our life. Background radiation, coming primarily

from natural minerals, is around us all the time. Fortunately, there are very
few situations where an average person is exposed to uncontrolled sources of
radiation above background. Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared and know
what to do if such a situation arises.

One of the best ways to be prepared is to understand the radiation

protection principles of time, distance and shielding. During a radiological
emergency, a large release of radioactive material into the environment. We
can use these principles to help protect ourselves and our families.

Time, distance, and shielding actions minimize your exposure to

radiation in much the same way as they would to protect you against
overexposure to the sun:

Source: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/protecting-yourself-radiation

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 1. Time: For people who are exposed to radiation in addition to natural
background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the
dose from the radiation source.

2. Distance: Just as the heat from a fire reduces as you move further
away, the dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your
distance from the source.

3. Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection

from penetrating gamma rays and x-rays. This is why certain radioactive
materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why
dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving x-rays of their teeth.
Therefore, inserting the proper shield between you and a radiation source will
greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.

Things to be aware of:

1. Humans cannot sense ionizing radiation.

2. All radiation isn’t the same.
3. Ionizing Radiation comes in Waves.
4. Gamma Radiation and X Rays share similar characteristics
5. Ionizing Radiation also comes in the form of charged particles.

Things to think about:

1. Risk Reduction is usually an automatic process for most potential

hazards.
2 . Knowledge and Instrumentation can form the basis for awareness in
the invisible world of ionizing radiation

How can you reduce your EMF exposure?

Ideally when you use your laptop, put a little barrier between you and
the device so that it is not touching your lap directly. You could use a pad or a
pillow barrier or use your laptop on a desk.

Keep your cell phone away from your head. This can be initially a hard
habit to change but you can plug in your headphones or use the phone
speaker so you avoid holding it right up to your ear constantly.

Keeping your cell phone, laptop, tablet and related devices at a

distance from you when you sleep is paramount. If you must have your cell
phone nearby, put it in Airplane Mode and rely on your old-fashioned alarm
clock to get you up in the morning instead. Aim to keep all the other devices
out of your bedroom.

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 To understand further about the possible ways to reduce EM radiation
exposures, try to perform the next activity for you to acquire some basic
information to help you minimize your dose and risk.

Make a collage using ¼ illustration board about the solutions on how to

reduce the effects of EM radiations hazards to living things and environment.
Be creative and innovative.

Rubric for Collage

Criteria 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points

Variety of Limited Adequate Good variety Excellent
pictures used variety of variety of of pictures variety of
to develop pictures used pictures used used to pictures used
main idea to develop to develop develop the to develop
the main idea the main idea main idea the main idea
Ideas Few original Some Several Many original
(Originality ideas in original ideas original ideasideas in
and interest) material or in material or in material ormaterial and
display are display are display are display are
evident to evident to evident to evident and
stimulate stimulated stimulate stimulate a
interest some interest much interest great deal of
interest
Relevance of Little material
Some Material Material
material selected ismaterial selected is selected is all
connected to relevant and
selected is mostly relevant and
main idea rarely relevant and relevant and clearly
connected to
somewhat connected to connected to
the main idea
connected to the main idea the main idea
the main idea
Visual impact Overall visual Overall visual Overall visual Overall visual
(Effectiveness impact is impact is impact is impact is
of overall limited somewhat effective very effective
presentation) effective
Comments and Suggestions for Improvement:

Adapted from: Scarborough Board of Education. (1996). Designing Student Outcomes

Link: https://moshej.edublogs.org/files/2011/04/Collage-Rubric-2cfq0em.pdf

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