Question

Explain the difference between ionizing radiation and nonionizing radiation in terms of both physical characteristics and health effects.

Answer 1

Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation, which transmits enough energy to break bonds between molecules and ionize atoms. The ionizing radiation has the power to form charged ions by transferring electrons in atoms. Examples of Ionizing radiation are the gamma rays emitted by radioactive materials, cosmic rays, and X-rays. Ionizing radiation has many beneficial applications, that includes use in medicine, industry, agriculture and research.

Ionizing radiation on organic matter is dangerous to living organisms including human body. Ionizing radiation from certain levels generates molecular damage, which can lead to very serious health problems, such as DNA damage, cancer, and reproductive defects ranging from miscarriages to birth defects and diseases. This radiation is harmful and potentially lethal to living beings but can have health benefits in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and thyrotoxicosis.

Non-ionizing radiation does not carry enough energy to break molecular bonds and ionize atoms. This radiation has the capacity to change the position of atoms but not to alter their structure, composition, and properties. Example of non-ionizing are ELF and RF radiation, the visible light, ultraviolet and infrared waves, and the electromagnetic waves from radio or television. The electromagnetic fields, which produce from power lines and those given off by cellular phones, microwaves, and electric blankets. Non-ionizing radiation can cause physical alterations. This radiation can generate non-mutagenic effects as incites thermal energy in biological tissue that can lead to burns. The sun’s ultraviolet and infrared waves which can cause damage to the skin and the eyes, these can increase the risk of skin cancer and loss of sight. Microwave radiation has powerful electromagnetic fields, which may cause cancer. Highly energetic non-ionizing radiation can also be harmful but different mechanisms and higher levels of exposure. The health effects of UV radiation include increasing incidence of squamous and basal cell carcinoma and melanoma of the skin, a highly malignant cancer. This radiation also causes skin and eye burns, cataracts, reduced immunity, and damage to blood vessels. Infrared radiation exposure over long periods is associated with increased risk of cataracts, impaired fertility, and tissue damage. UV radiation is generally classified as non-ionizing radiation.