Ionizing Radiation in Medicine

Abstract

Longer wave length, lower frequency waves (heat and radio) has less energy than shorter wave length, higher frequency waves (X and gamma rays). Not all electromagnetic (EM) radiation is ionizing. Only the high frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which includes X-rays and gamma rays is ionizing. Ionizing (or ionizing) radiation is radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them. Ionizing radiation comprises subatomic particles, ions or atoms moving at relativistic speeds, and electromagnetic waves on the short wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays, X-rays, and the upper vacuum ultraviolet part of the ultraviolet spectrum are ionizing, whereas the lower ultraviolet, visible light (including laser light), infrared, microwaves, and radio waves are considered non-ionizing radiation. The boundary is not sharply defined, since different molecules and atoms ionize at different energies. Typical particles include alpha particles, beta particles and neutrons, as well as mesons that constitute cosmic rays. It is applied in a wide variety of fields such as medicine, research, manufacturing, construction, and many other areas, but presents a health hazard if proper measures against undesired exposure aren't followed. Exposure to ionizing radiation causes damage to living tissue, and can result in mutation, radiation sickness, cancer, and death.