What is Radiation?

In general, radiation is a process where energy is emitted by one body travels in a straight line through a medium/space & may be able to penetrate various materials. Radiation can be classified into two;  non-ionizing & ionizing.

Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to fully remove an electron from an atom/molecule. (The examples:  visible light, infrared light, microwave radiation, radio waves & long wave radiation).

On the other hand, ionizing radiation has enough energy to detach electrons from atoms/molecules. It originates from both subatomic particles & the shorter wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. (The examples: ultraviolet, x-rays & gamma rays; alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons). It is normally produced by the unstable atoms. This type of radiation can also be produced by high-voltage equipments (e.g., x-ray machines).

Atoms with the unstable nuclei are known as a radioactive. To become a stable nuclei, these atoms tend to give off/emit the excess energy/mass. These processes are called radiation. Radiation can be either electromagnetic or particulate. Gamma radiation & x-rays are the examples of electromagnetic radiation, while alpha, beta & neutron radiation are the examples of particulate radiation.

Interestingly, there is a 'background' of natural radiation everywhere in our surrounding environment. It comes from space & also from naturally occurring radioactive materials contained in the earth and in all living things. 

Neoplasm Radiations are generally classified as ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, and  both types of radiations can cause cancer in the body. Ionizing radiations have been shown to induce cancer in many different species of animals and in almost all parts of the body. Radiations are considered as a weak carcinogen compared to chemical agents and it may take years for cancer to appear with radiation exposure. Non-ionizing radiations are low energy radiations that are unable to cause ionization in tissues but may cause adverse health consequences in some other ways. The non-ionization radiation commonly involves the ultraviolet rays, visible light, electromagnetic fields, infrared radiation, microwaves & radiofrequency radiation.