Radiation and YOU 

Non-ionizing Radiation Electromagnetic radiation that transfers energy to matter without breaking bonds. Examples: Radio waves Microwaves Infrared Visible Light

Non-ionizing Radiation Affects atoms and molecules by: Increasing the motion of the atom Moving electrons to higher states in the atom.

Non-ionizing Radiation Not harmful in low doses, but can cause burns at high doses. Dose: the amount of radiation received.

Ionizing Radiation Ionizing radiation carries enough energy to break bonds between atoms Examples: ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays

Ionizing Radiation Affects atoms and molecules by: Breaking chemical bonds Freeing electrons and forming ions Can damage cells and cellular machinery.

Ionizing Radiation and You! Two major factors in tissue damage Radiation density – how concentrated the radiation is Dose – the total amount of radiation received

Factors affecting damage Dose – the more radiation received, the more damage occurs. Exposure time – The shorter the dose, the greater the damage.

Factors affecting damage Area exposed: The greater the area of body exposed, the greater the damage. Tissue type: Rapidly dividing cells receive more damage.