Radiation

What is Radiation ?

The transmission or emission of energy in the form of particles or waves through a material medium or space.

Harmful Effects of Radiation

Radiation can be categorized into non-ionizing or ionizing depending on the radiated particle’s energy. Radioactive materials that emit α, β, or γ radiation are the common sources of ionizing radiation. Visible light, microwaves, infrared light, are the common sources of non-ionizing radiation. Both types of radiation are harmful to health even though they have few advantages.

Affects on Birds 

Birds are known to be sensitive to magnetic radiation. Increasing number of cell phone towers in cities apparently are bringing down bird population. The microwaves (300 MHz to 300 GHz) emitted by cell phone towers and handsets has been found to be responsible for damaging eggs and embryos of sparrows.

Affect on Human

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness"). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

If RF radiation is high enough, it has a 'thermal' effect, which means it raises body temperature. There are concerns that the low levels of RF radiationemitted by mobile phones could cause health problems such as headaches or brain tumours.

Facts on Effects of Radiation

Radiation is around us, and is used in many applications safely.

The radiation effects can be mild or life-threatening, depending on the dose. All sources of radiation poisoning can be nuclear accidents, the work environment, and some medical treatment.

There is no cure, but barriers can prevent exposure and some medicines can remove some of the body’s radiation.

Anyone who thinks they are radiation sensitive will seek medical attention as soon as possible.