Non-Ionizing Radiation
Radiation having a wide range of energies form the electromagnetic spectrum, which is illustrated to the right. The spectrum has two major divisions: non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to dislodge electron charges from atoms. It ranges from extremely low frequency radiation, shown on the far left through the audible, microwave, and visible portions of the spectrum into the ultraviolet range.
Non-onizing radiation also is dealt with by shielding workers from the source. Sometimes limiting exposure times to non-ionizing radiation or increasing the distance is not effective.
Laser radiation, for example, cannot be controlled effectively by imposing time limits. An exposure can be hazardous that is faster than the blinking of an eye. Increasing the distance from a laser source may require miles before the energy level reaches a point where the exposure would not be harmful.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. Which of the following is a type of non-ionizing radiation?
You forgot to answer the question!