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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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Lesson Risks of Non-Ionizing
1 Radiation
Department of Education ● Republic of the
Philippines
A. Overview
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
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
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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
1. Radio Waves
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.
Extremely low frequency (ELF) waves are on the far end of the
electromagnetic spectrum and come from power lines, electrical equipment
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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
3. Infrared
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
5. Ultraviolet
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
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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.
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Lesson Risks of Ionizing
2 Radiations
A. Overview
Objectives
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
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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
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present-day radiation workers, there is little
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.
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.
3. GAMMA RADIATION
4. X-RAYS
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Lesson Solutions to Reduced EM
X-Rays: The emission of a high energy wave from the electron cloud of an
atom
5. NEUTRON RADIATION
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Radiation Hazards
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A. Overview
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.
Objectives
Concept Development
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Source: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/protecting-yourself-radiation
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.
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.
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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.
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