Eye-Opening Radiation Facts: Should You Put Your Devices Away?

The emission of energy in the formation of particles or waves via material medium or space is called radiation.

The word 'radiation' proceeds from the phenomenon of waves emitting from a source outward in all directions. This transmission of energy includes particle radiation, electromagnetic radiation, gravitational radiation, and acoustic radiation.

In the early 19th century, William Herschel, the astronomer, discovered infrared radiation. We are all exposed to radiation in our everyday life. It is in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the materials used in building our homes. However, not all radiation exposure is dangerous.

Scroll down to read more interesting facts about radiation, its applications, and its harmful effects.

Types: Ionizing And Non-Ionizing

Radiation is many times classified into two categories, ionizing and non-ionizing, determined by the energy of the emitted particles.

A typical source of ionizing radiation is radioactive substances that cast α, γ, or β radiation, consisting of helium nuclei, photons, and electrons or positrons, respectively—carrying more than 10 eV, ionizing radiation, ionizing molecules and atoms, and breaking down chemical bonds.

Ionization happens when an electron removes an electron shell of the atom that leaves it with a net positive charge. This radiation is used in construction, research, and communication. The important primary sources of ionizing radiation are cosmic rays and radioactive material. Other sources include X-rays, ultraviolet rays, Gamma radiation, Alpha radiation, Beta radiation, and Neutron radiation.

Different types of non-ionizing radiation cause different biological effects. The particles of non-ionizing radiation of the kinetic energy are insignificant to produce charged ions while passing through matter.

This radiation is low in energy, including emissions from origins such as microwaves, sunlight, radar, sonar, and radio frequencies. The incidence of ionization is determined by the energy of the single-particle or waves.

Applications: Medicine, Communication And Science

Radiation is all around us. Few foods like Brazil nuts and bananas naturally have higher levels of radiation. High radiation effects in all criteria, whether communication, medicines, or science. Radiation is widely used in research, diagnosis, and treatment.

Radioactive substances are commonly used by Medical radiation scientists. Several diseases, including different types of cancer, can be diagnosed by injecting radiation or radioactive substance and examining the radiation emitted as the energy moves through the body. Ionizing radiation is used in cancer treatment that kills cells and changes genes.

Further, all modern communication systems such as mobile, telephones, computers are dependent on electromagnetic radiation. Besides, musicians also experiment using nuclear power or with gamma rays sonification to produce music and sound. The variation represents changes in the sound, photo, or other data transmitted.

Also, radioactive atoms were used to determine the age of living organisms. Radiation helps in determining the age of rocks and other geological features called radiometric dating. Radioactive atoms called tracer atoms are used to identify the tracks used by pollutants through the environment.

Radiation Produced From Our Device

The main radiation originated from radioactive material present in our environments, such as x-rays, gas chromatography equipment, electron microscopes, CT scanners, fluoroscopy units, and many more.

Besides these devices, a smoke detector is a device that can save lives, but its radioactive materials cause health risks. The devices we use daily emit a lot of radiation, such as clocks and watches, old camera lenses, televisions and monitors, sun lamps, tanning salons, ceramic materials, glassware, fertilizer, and the list goes on.

Harmful Effects Caused By Radiation

Radiation has been affecting us for over 100 years. It interacts with living tissue and affects not only our body but also the environment. It can damage the DNA in our cells.

Being close to an atomic blast or nuclear power causes acute health effects like radiation sickness and skin burns. It also results in long-term health issues like cancer, genetic damage, and cardiovascular disease. That's why experts are finding new ways to reduce exposure to radiation.

The cells in fetuses and children are highly sensitive to radiation exposure. UV radiation that includes sulfate, nitrate, and organic aerosols causes adverse effects on the environment too. According to research, radiation workers have an increased risk of cancer.

FAQs

Is all radiation light?

Only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum could be seen. Radiation waves and photons are simply visible light.

How fast does radiation travel?

Radiation travels at the speed of light 0.00186287083433 mi (0.0029980000000039797 km) per second (2.998 × 108 m/s).

What radiation is not harmful?

Alpha particles in equivalent doses in units are the least dangerous in terms of radiation exposure.

Does microwave cause radiation?

Microwave produces electromagnetic waves, which are very harmful to our body.

What radiation poisoning feels like?

Radiation damages our stomach, intestines, blood vessels, and blood cells and feels extreme nervousness and confusion.

Is phone radiation harmful?

Experts claim that cell phones emit very low levels of non-ionizing radiation when in use. Thus, they do not cause adverse health effects.

Does Airplane mode stop radiation?

Airplane mode reduces exposure to mobile phone radiation; however, it still emits some level of radiation.

Which type of radiation has the most energy?

Gamma rays have the highest energies with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies.