Ionising radiation refers to radiation that has enough energy to break an electron away from an atom, a process called ionisation.

• Ionizing radiation is high-energy electromagnetic waves (gamma, X-rays) or particles (alpha, beta, neutrons) emitted by unstable atoms.

What are the features?

• Ionising radiation surrounds us everywhere in everyday life and is completely unavoidable and is safe at low doses.
• There are three main types of ionising radiation: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma rays.

Effects on the human body

• Can cause damage to internal organs and tissues of the body, and if vital systems cease to function, death may result within days or weeks.
• Can alter the genetic make-up of individuals and also result in mutation.
• Can cause developmental problems such as malformation or reduced IQ in individuals exposed to radiation.

What more needs to be known?

• If radioactive materials are stored in lead boxes, the impact of radiation can be greatly minimised.

Source: The Hindu