Radiation is energy transmitted in the form of waves or particles that travel through space or a material medium. It can be both non-ionizing and ionizing. The two main types of radiation are electromagnetic radiation and X-rays. Both types can cause damage. Understanding how these two types of radiation work is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Non-ionizing radiation
Non-ionizing radiation is an electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy per quantum to ionize an atom. Ionization removes an electron from an atom. Non-ionizing radiation is often used for radiation therapy and in medical imaging. But it is important to note that these radiations can also cause a range of side effects, such as cancer.
Non-ionizing radiation is found in many settings, including hospitals, laboratories, and offices. Its effects are not as severe as those of ionising radiation, but it can be hazardous nonetheless. Its effects depend on the wavelength and frequency of the source. For example, a radiofrequency source emits radiation of a very low frequency, while a laser emits radiation that is extremely high in frequency and intensity.
The frequency at which non-ionizing radiation is applied to a surface causes different biological effects. The upper frequencies are generally considered to cause non-thermal damage, similar to that of ionizing radiation. This is generally accepted, but debate exists over whether lower frequencies cause a similar effect.
Cosmic ray radiations
Cosmic ray radiations have been observed to influence a number of different processes on earth. Some of these processes are climate change, earthquakes, cyclones, and the outbreak of diseases such as influenza. Satellite data and SOHO records have revealed that distant stars influence heliophysical parameters by showering cosmic rays.
However, these radiations are not always visible to us. They often reach the Earth’s surface through the atmosphere, where they produce effects. In fact, some of these radiations can penetrate nine feet thick lead. Thus, these rays can be harmful to the developing fetus.
The energy emitted by cosmic rays varies with wavelength and energy, with solar/stellar cosmic rays having a lower energy than galactic cosmic rays. In addition, a planet’s atmosphere and internal magnetic moment determine the flux of cosmic rays reaching its surface. A planet with a protective magnetosphere, such as Venus, is more protected from cosmic ray radiations than planets without them.
X-rays
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with high energy and penetrating properties. They usually range in wavelength from ten nanometers to ten picometers. Their energies are in the range of 145 eV to 124 keV. This radiation is a danger to humans because it can cause cancer. However, it can also be used for diagnostic purposes. X-rays can also be helpful in the detection of bone fractures, tumors, and other diseases.
The radiation produced by X-rays can cause short and long-term harm. The short-term damage is usually a mild burn. During a medical examination, a patient may be subjected to over two thousand chest x-rays in a matter of hours. However, the long-term concern is the increased risk of cancer.
X-rays are similar to visible light, but their energy is higher. The radiation from X-ray machines passes through a range of surfaces inside the body and creates pictures that doctors can use to diagnose and treat patients. The X-ray beam passes through the human body on one side of the body and then reflects back onto a detector on the other side. The images are then turned into digital images known as radiographs.
gamma rays
Gamma rays are extremely high-energy particles produced by astrophysical sources, such as black holes and neutron stars. These powerful particles wash over Earth every day and are often seen as evidence of massive explosions. They are produced during the birth of a black hole, the collapse of a massive star, or the merging of neutron stars. They are so bright that they can be seen across the entire visible universe.
Although most gamma rays are produced in the upper atmosphere, they are largely absorbed by the atmosphere. But instruments on high-altitude balloons and the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope provide us with a view of the universe in gamma rays. In a practical example, gamma rays are used to change the color of semi-precious stones, like topaz.
The radiation emitted by gamma rays is less dangerous than the radiation emitted by beta or alpha particles, but they can still cause damage to human cells. Gamma rays can damage the DNA in cells and can even lead to cancer. Most research into the dangers of gamma rays has focused on survivors of nuclear explosions, high-dose radiation treatments, and people who have been exposed to radiation in the workplace.
X-ray machines
The radiation produced by an X-ray machine can cause damage to patients. The radiation dose from an X-ray machine varies depending on the type of X-ray. There are two types of X-rays: hard X-rays and soft X-rays. Hard X-rays are those that travel through solid objects without being scattered or absorbed. They are used in medical and industrial radiography. The intensity of the rays is adjusted based on the type of object being scanned, the wavelength of light and contrast of the image.
The X-ray machine produces x-rays by accelerating electrons in a vacuum tube. The electrons then hit an anode, which may consist of a variety of materials. The target also affects the amount of x-rays produced. Materials with a high atomic number produce the most x-rays.
Electrons accelerated in the X-ray machine interact with the target nucleus and orbital electrons, creating a high-energy beam. The energy of these x-rays varies from near zero to the energy of an electron.
Fallout from nuclear weapons tests
Nuclear weapons tests have created a significant amount of fallout. This debris has the potential to contaminate large areas, including oceans and the air. Most of the fallout that is released into the ocean is composed of sea salts and is deposited on the surface. This type of debris can also be transported by wind. The fallout from nuclear weapons tests has an extremely low potential to cause injury, but it can have a devastating effect on the local environment.
When nuclear weapons are detonated, they send radioactive materials into the atmosphere 50 miles above the explosion site. Large particles settle to the ground near the explosion site, while lighter particles travel through the upper atmosphere and fall back to Earth. Fallout from nuclear weapons tests can circulate for years and can be brought back to the surface by precipitation. The paths of the radioactive particles depend on the wind and weather patterns.
The amount of radiation that can be emitted during a nuclear weapons test depends on the time interval between the test and the release of the fallout. Because of the exponential decay of radionuclides, the danger of fallout radiation is decreasing over time. For every seven hours that pass after the explosion, the rate of radiation decays by a factor of ten. By the time it reaches the end of this time period, the fallout dose can reduce by more than ninety percent.
Sources of radiation exposure
There are several ways to get exposure to radiation, including manufactured products, natural sources, and nuclear weapons testing. The average yearly dose from natural sources is about three millisieverts (mSv), but it can vary by hundreds of percent depending on region, elevation, and geology. For example, natural sources like radon (Radon 222) and thorium (Radon 220) are often present in building materials and soils around the world.
The intensity of radiation exposure depends on the type of radiation and the length of exposure. Exposure is reduced by increasing the distance from the source. The distance from a localized source reduces the intensity by approximately four times, while increasing the distance from a planar source reduces the dose by only a factor of two.
Radiation exposure comes from several different sources, including diagnostic x-rays and radioactive materials. These sources can cause ionization (breakdown of electron bonds) in atoms and molecules, causing chemical changes in living cells. For instance, radioactive material can affect DNA, the genetic material located within the cell nucleus.
