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Electromagnetic radiation is energy-carrying particles from a source, measured by the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be beneficial, harmless or dangerous. Natural sources include the sun, while man-made sources include x-rays, radio waves and microwaves. Scientists divide it into non-ionizing and ionizing types, with the latter being used in cancer treatments. Overexposure can cause illness and death, but some exposure is unavoidable.
Electromagnetic radiation is a term used to describe a stream of energy-carrying particles traveling outward from an electromagnetic source. The energy in these streams can vary greatly in power and is measured by the electromagnetic spectrum. This type of radiation can be beneficial, harmless or extremely dangerous to humans, depending on the source, the level of radiation and the duration of exposure.
There are both natural and artificial sources of electromagnetic radiation. The sun, for example, is an intense source of radiation that can have both positive and negative effects on living things. The Sun also produces visible and invisible electromagnetic fluxes. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are invisible and cause sunburn and skin cancer if overexposure. A rainbow, however, is a harmless, visible part of the electromagnetic effect caused by the Sun, as human eyes detect visible wavelengths of light as different colors.
Man-made sources of electromagnetic radiation include x-rays, radio waves, and microwaves, although some natural sources also exist. Microwaves and radio waves are used by humans to power machines and increase communication capabilities. Cell phones, radios, microwave ovens, and radars all create electromagnetic radiation. This has led to some concern that the growing prevalence of electromagnetic devices will lead to large increases in radiation-induced illnesses, such as cancer. So far, few studies suggest that exposure to household devices is strong enough to cause genetic mutations or cancer.
Scientists divide electromagnetic radiation into two types, non-ionizing and ionizing. Non-ionizing varieties include visible radiation, infrared radiation, and most types of low-energy radiation such as radio and microwaves. Overexposure to non-ionizing radiation can cause skin burns, but is unlikely to cause genetic mutations or alter cell structure. Ionizing radiation, such as that used in cancer treatments, is made up of high-energy wavelengths and can actually alter or mutate DNA. While this can be used to treat diseases that affect cells such as cancer, it can also cause serious and possibly fatal cell damage leading to birth defects or radiation sickness.
The power contained in electromagnetic radiation can be both beneficial and destructive to humans. While it has become a vital part of technology, it also remains a huge responsibility for human health. Overexposure to radiation, whether in an acute dose or in a slow and continuous intake, can quickly lead to illness and even a painful death. However, since this type of radiation is also a natural part of the human environment, exposure to some radiation is unavoidable.
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