Dangers of EM radiation

• Dangers of EM radiation

  • As the frquency of EM waves increases, so does the energy.
  • EM waves with a high frequency have the ability to knock electrons off atoms
  • referred to as ionising
• Dangers of IR radiation

  • Can cause skin burns
  • Risk can be reduced by wearing insulating materials
• Dangers of UV radiation

  • Can damage cells and cause blindness
  • Permanently damages cells in the retina of the eye.
  • Risks can be reduced by avoiding eye contact with the sun and wearing appropriate sunscreen outside
• Dangers of X-Rays

  • Can cause damage to cells
  • and lead to cancers
  • However, levels of x-rays used in medical procedures is very small and poses almost no risk
• Dangers of Gamma Radiation

  • Vey dangerous
  • The most ionising out of EM radiation
  • Can penetrate deep into the body, causing cell damage and cancers
  • Sources should be kept in lead-lined containers to minimise their risk