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Radiation Safety and Health Topics
Radiation

Radiation may be defined as energy traveling through space. Non-ionizing radiation is essential to life, but excessive exposures will cause tissue damage. All forms of ionizing radiation have sufficient energy to ionize atoms that may destabilize molecules within cells and lead to tissue damage.

Radiation sources are found in a wide range of occupational settings. If radiation is not properly controlled it can be potentially hazardous to the health of workers.

The following link to information about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation in the workplace.
Non-Ionizing Radiation Non-Ionizing Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) to ultraviolet (UV) comprise non-ionizing radiation.
ELF Radiation | RF/MW Radiation | IR | Visible | UV | Laser Radiation
Ionizing Radiation Ionizing Radiation
The two types of ionizing radiation are particulate (alpha, beta, neutrons) and electromagnetic (x-rays, gamma rays) radiation.
Particulate Radiation | Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic Radiation Frequency Range

Electromagnetic Radiation

The most familiar form of electromagnetic (EM) radiation is sunshine, which provides light and heat. Sunshine consists primarily of radiation in infrared (IR), visible, and ultraviolet (UV) frequencies. Lasers also emit EM radiation in these "optical frequencies." The higher frequencies of EM radiation, consisting of x-rays and gamma rays, are types of ionizing radiation. Lower frequency radiation, consisting of ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), microwave (MW), Radio Frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF) are types of non-ionizing radiation.
 Safety and
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  Radiation
  Non-Ionizing
Radiation
  Ionizing
Radiation
  Electromagnetic
Radiation
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Content Reviewed 09/26/2008
 
 


 
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Page last updated: 09/26/2008