WHAT IS NON-IONIZING RADIATION?
"Ionization"
is a process by which electrons are stripped from atoms and molecules.
This process can produce molecular changes that can lead to damage in
biological tissue, including effects on DNA, the genetic material of living
organisms. This process requires interaction with high levels of
electromagnetic energy. Those types of electromagnetic radiation with
enough energy to ionize biological material include X-radiation and gamma
radiation. Therefore, X-rays and gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation.
The energy levels
associated with RF and microwave radiation, on the other hand, are not great
enough to cause the ionization of atoms and molecules, and RF energy is,
therefore, is a type of non-ionizing radiation.
Other types of
non-ionizing radiation include visible and infrared light. Often the term
"radiation" is used, colloquially, to imply that ionizing radiation
(radioactivity), such as that associated with nuclear power plants, is present.
Ionizing radiation should not be confused with the lower-energy,
non-ionizing radiation with respect to possible biological effects, since the
mechanisms of action are quite different.
Attendees attending this
class will receive a completion certificate and card complying with OSHA
reporting requirements in 29 CFR1910.268.
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