Non-ionizing radiation

Non-Ionizing radiation


Non-ionizing (or non-ionising) radiation refers to any type ofelectromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy perquantum to ionize atoms or molecules—that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule.[1] Instead of producing charged ions when passing through matter, the electromagneticradiation has sufficient energy only for excitation, the movement of an electron to a higher energy state. Nevertheless, different biological effects are observed for different types of non-ionizing radiation.[2] [3]

Near ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, radio waves, and low-frequency RF (longwave) are all examples of non-ionizing radiation. Visible and near ultraviolet may induce photochemical reactions, ionize some molecules or accelerate radical reactions, such as photochemical aging of varnishes[4] or the breakdown of flavoring compounds in beer to produce the "lightstruck flavor".[5] The light from the Sun that reaches the earth is largely composed of non-ionizing radiation, with the notable exception of some ultraviolet rays. However, most ionizing radiation is filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere. Static fields do not radiate.

Health Risks
Non-ionizing radiation can produce non-mutagenic[citation needed] effects such as inciting thermal energy in biological tissue that can lead to burns. In terms of potential biological effects, the non-ionizing portion of the spectrum can be subdivided into: The optical radiation portion, where electron excitation can occur (visible light, infrared light) The portion where the wavelength is smaller than the body, and heating via induced currents can occur (MW and higher-frequency RF) The portion where the wavelength is much larger than the body, and heating via induced currents seldom occurs (lower-frequency RF, power frequencies, static fields).[3]