X- RAYS

• Shorter wavelength and

higher frequency than UV-
rays
• Carry a great amount of
energy
• Can penetrate most matter.
Bones and teeth absorb x-rays. (The light part of an
x-ray image indicates a place where the x-ray was
absorbed)
Too much exposure can
cause cancer
(lead vest at dentist
protects organs from
unnecessary
exposure)
• Used by engineers to
check for tiny cracks
in structures.
• The rays pass through
the cracks and the
cracks appear dark on
film.
GAMMA RAYS
• Shorter wavelength and
higher frequency than X-
rays
• Carry the greatest amount
of energy and penetrate the
most.
• Used in radiation treatment to kill
cancer cells.
• Can be very harmful if not used
correctly.
•The Incredible
Hulk was the
victim of gamma
radiation.
EXPLODING
NUCLEAR
WEAPONS
EMIT
GAMMA
RAYS.
Electromagnetic Radiation: Environmental Indicators in
Our Surroundings
1.Can living things serve as an indicator of exposure to electromagnetic
radiation? Why?
2. Explain the process of electromagnetic radiation.
3. Based on the article, what are some of the advantages that can be
given by radio frequency and microwaves?
4. How about the disadvantages or the negative effects of EM
radiation? Cite some examples.
5. As a conclusion, explain whether EM radiation is beneficial or
harmful to the environment and the living things. Support your idea by
giving some points.
  
Electromagnetic Radiation: Environmental Indicators in Our Surroundings
All living tissues have magnetic properties that are affected to some extent by the existence of
electromagnetic radiation in the environment. Therefore, all living creatures including plants,
microbes, animals and humans are environmental indicators of exposure to electromagnetic
radiation. Radiation is the process through which energy travels in the form of waves or particles
through space or some other medium. Electromagnetic radiation is the propagation of waves that
have an electric (E) and a magnetic (H) field component. Biological cell proliferation and
differentiation can be affected by both AC and DC magnetic fields.
Radiofrequency and microwave wavelengths can be made to carry information via amplitude,
frequency, and phase modulation, such as data from television, mobile phones, wireless
networking and amateur radio.
Chromosomal damage is a mechanism relevant to causation of birth defects and cancer. Long-
term continuous or daily repeated EMF exposure has been found to induce cellular stress
responses at non-thermal power levels that lead to an accumulation of DNA errors.
Comparative studies in animals that rely on electromagnetic orientation provide valuable
information. The effects of electromagnetic radiation on plants and animal life include the
diminished radial growth of pine trees, lowered density of bird species and mammals, such as
storks, sparrows and bats, effects on bees, effects on magnetic-based homing mechanisms of
birds, and many other effects. Plants and animals can be monitored as environmental indicators to
assess the effects of electromagnetic radiation.
Adapted from: Environmental Indicators by: Yael Stein and Osmo Hänninen, 2014