Dangers of radiation

Radiowaves

Radiowaves are not dangerous. They are the biggest waves and carry the least amount of energy.

Microwaves

All waves transfer energy.

A certain microwave frequency can heat water (and therefore food).

Our bodies are mostly water, so microwaves could heat cells from the inside.

Mobile phones also use microwaves so does that make them dangerous?

Why do microwaves have a metal plate inside the door?

The metal grid in the door reflects microwaves but the holes allow visible light through.

Infrared

Our skin absorbs infrared radiation, which we feel as heat.

Too much radiation can damage or destroy cells, causing burns to the skin.

Visible light

Visible light is not particularly harmful, intense light can damage the receptors in our eyes and cause blindness. Lasers are an example of a light that can damage the eye.

Ultraviolet

The energy transferred by ultraviolet radiation also causes sunburn and can damage DNA . Too much exposure can lead to skin cancer .

UV radiation in sunlight can also damage our eyes. Skiers can suffer ‘snow blindness’ due to too much UV radiation reflecting off the snow.

X-rays and Gamma rays

These have a higher frequency and carry more energy. This means they can penetrate the body and cause more damage

X-rays can cause mutations. Mutations in DNA may kill cells or cause cancer.