IONIZING AND NON-IONIZING RADIATION

Ionizing Radiation - Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons from
atoms and molecules of materials that include air, water, and living tissue. It can travel unseen
and pass through these materials. It is also a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the
form of electromagnetic waves (Gamma or X-rays) or particles (neutrons, beta or alpha).
Types of Ionizing Radiation:
1. Alpha radiation
The emission of an alpha particle from the
nucleus of an atom Alpha radiation occurs when an
atom undergoes radioactive decay, giving off a particle
(called an alpha particle) consisting of two protons and two
neutrons essentially the nucleus of a helium-4 atom),
changing the originating atom to one of an element with an
atomic number 2 less and atomic weight 4 less than it
started with.

2. Beta radiation Beta radiation: The emission of a beta particle from

the nucleus of an atom Beta radiation takes the form of
either an electron or a positron (a particle with the size
and mass of an electron, but with a positive charge) being
emitted from an atom. Due to the smaller mass, it is able to
travel further in air, up to a few meters, and can be
stopped by a thick piece of plastic, or even a stack of
paper. It can penetrate skin a few centimeters, posing
somewhat of an external health risk.

3. Gamma Radiation
Gamma radiation: The emission of an high-energy wave
from the nucleus of an atom 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 through air than alpha
or beta, losing (on average) half its energy for every 500
feet.

The 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. hey 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.

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

cloud of an atom X-rays are similar to gamma radiation, with
4. X Rays the primary difference being that they originate from the
electron cloud. This is generally caused by energy changes in
an electron, such as moving from a higher energy level to a lower
one, causing the excess energy to be released. 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.
5. Neutron Radiation Neutron radiation: The emission of a neutron from
the nucleus of an atom 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.

NON- IONIZING RADIATION - 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. Non-ionizing radiation
includes visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light; microwaves; radio waves; and radiofrequency
energy from cell phones.
Types of Non-Ionizing Radiation
1. Ultraviolet - Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, welding, black lights and UV
lasers. The sun emits UVA, UVB and UVC rays. 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.

2. 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.

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. IR radiation is used
in furnaces, heat lamps, toasters, night-vision goggles and the lasers seen on TV remote
controls. 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.
4. 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. A
microwave oven works because microwaves excite the water molecules in food and cause
them to vibrate, generating heat and cooking the food. Atoms and molecules can also
emit and absorb MW radiation. Overexposure to MW radiation can cause cataracts and skin
burns.

5. Radio frequencies- 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.