9/20/2023 0 Comments Radium effects on body biologyThe levels of radon in your home or building depend on a variety of factors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon, however, is a natural radioactive gas found in rock formations that can release higher levels of radiation that can pose health risks. For example, a very small fraction of the potassium in our bodies is radioactive. Natural sources of ionizing radiation include radioactive elements that are naturally in our body. Natural sources of ionizing radiation usually release ionizing radiation at low levels, which also means the amounts of radiation absorbed by our bodies (doses) is usually small. This has the potential to cause harmful effects to people, especially at high levels of exposure. Ionizing radiation can penetrate the human body and the radiation energy can be absorbed in tissue. PET (positron emission tomography) scans.Medical exams that use ionizing radiation include: Our main exposure to ionizing radiation in manmade sources is through the use of diagnostic medical exams. It is also a byproduct of nuclear power generation. Ionizing radiation is found in smoke detectors, used to disinfect medical instruments and blood, and to perform many other tasks in our daily lives. Radiation from the earth (terrestrial radiation)Įvery day, we use Ionizing radiation to help us live healthy lives.Radiation from space (cosmic and solar radiation).In nature, sources of ionizing radiation include: You may also be exposed to the radioactive gas radon if your house or building has a leaky foundation. These low levels of exposure vary with location, altitude and type of building materials used in home construction. This means that the usual amount of ionizing radiation from natural sources absorbed by our bodies (dose) is small.įor more information on possible health effects from radiation and radiation dose, click here Ionizing radiation that comes from natural sources is typically at low levels. Ionizing radiation can fall into two categories: natural and manmade Ionizing Radiation from Natural Sources We are exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation every day. Other examples of ionizing radiation include alpha, beta, and gamma rays from radioactive decay. Intense exposures to ionizing radiation may produce skin or tissue damage.įor more information on x-rays and other forms of medical imaging, click here That action may cause eventual harm (such as cancer). Ionizing activity can alter molecules within the cells of our body. We say that x-rays are “ionizing,” meaning that they have the unique capability to remove electrons from atoms and molecules in the matter through which they pass. It is on the right side of the electromagnetic spectrum in the figure below.įor more information on the electromagnetic spectrum, click hereĪ familiar example of ionizing radiation is that of x-rays, which can penetrate our body and reveal pictures of our bones. Ionizing radiation can travel unseen and pass through these materials. Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons from atoms and molecules of materials that include air, water, and living tissue. Unlike ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation does not remove electrons from atoms or molecules of materials that include air, water, and living tissue.įor more information on non-ionizing radiation, click here Non-ionizing radiation is a form of radiation with less energy than ionizing radiation. Radiation exists all around us and is in two forms: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. What is the risk from exposure to ionizing radiation?.How much ionizing radiation am I exposed to?.
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