What is radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy. Radiation is generally divided into two types:

• Non-ionizing radiation like heat and light from the sun.
• Ionizing radiation like radiation from natural radioactive materials or cosmic rays.

We are continuously exposed to both types of radiation throughout our lives.

Non-ionizing radiation is of low energy and not a health hazard. Many everyday products use non-ionizing radiation:

• Televisions.
• Radios.
• Microwave ovens.

Ionizing radiation is of high energy and can be a health hazard. When ionizing radiation passes through a substance, energy can be transferred to the substance’s atoms, which can damage them. This process is called ionization. Some examples of ionizing radiation include:

• Ultraviolet radiation.
• X rays.
• Gamma rays.
• Cosmic rays.