Question

Explain the key difference between the ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and list the types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. What are some health problems that can result with excess exposure to ionizing radiation and to non-ionizing radiation?

Answer 1

The key difference is that non-ionizing radiation does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms while ionizing radiation carries enough energy to ionize atoms.

-Types of Non-ionizing radiation:

Near UV, Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radio waves, thermal radiation, Strong Magnets (MRI)

-Types of Ionizing radiation:

alpha, beta and netron particles, gamma and X-Rays.

Health Hazards:

-By Ionizing radiations:

DNA damage, cancer, radiation burns (malfunction/killing of cells)

-By Non-Ionizing radiations:

photochemical cataract, erythema (skin), heating of body.