ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines electromagnetic fields on its Webpages dedicated to the concerns regarding the increasing presence of this form of radiation. In essence, an electromagnetic field is comprised of two components, one being an electric field generated by differences in voltage and another being a magnetic field generated by the flow of current. The field propagates at the speed of light (300,000 kilometers per second or 186,000 miles per second) in waves of a certain length that oscillate at a certain frequency (number of oscillations or cycles per second). In the electromagnetic range, gamma rays given off by radioactive materials, cosmic rays, and X-rays are all dangerous to humans and other organisms because of the relatively high energy "quanta" (packets) they carry (high frequency or short-wavelength waves). Such rays lead to "dangerous radiation" (ionizing; i.e., with an ability to break bonds between molecules). Mobile phone systems also act in the electromagnetic range (sometimes referred to as "microwave" or "radio frequency"), however, the frequency (energy "quanta") of the longer-wavelength waves associated with this technology is lower (and therefore safer to humans) and regarded as "non-ionizing".

TYPES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Ionizing radiation -

 This type of radiation contains enough electromagnetic energy to strip atoms and molecules from the tissue and alter chemical reactions in the body. Gamma rays and X-rays are two forms of ionizing radiation. We know they cause damage, which is why we wear a lead vest when X-rays are taken of our bodies.

Non-ionizing radiation -

Non-ionizing radiation is typically safe. It causes some heating effect, but usually not enough to cause any type of long-term damage to tissue. Radio-frequency energy, visible light and microwave radiation are considered non-ionizing. Electromagnetic Spectrum