Where does non-ionizing radiation lead to cancer come from?

X-Rays and Other Sources of Radiation High-energy radiation, such as x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons, can damage DNA and cause cancer.

Does radiation cause oxidative damage?

Ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress is attributed to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to radiolysis of water molecules and is short lived. Persistent oxidative stress has also been observed after radiation exposure and is implicated in the late effects of radiation.

How does ionizing radiation cause damage to cells of the body?

Radiation and electrons bombarded by radiation move haphazardly inside the cell, resulting in damage to the various molecules forming the cell. Chromosomal DNA inside the cell nucleus can also be damaged.

What could happen if you are exposed to too much harmful radiation?

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What is non ionizing radiation vs ionizing?

Radiation is classified as being either non-ionizing or ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation is longer wavelength/lower frequency lower energy. While ionizing radiation is short wavelength/high frequency higher energy. Ionizing Radiation has sufficient energy to produce ions in matter at the molecular level.

What does non ionizing radiation do?

Unlike x-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. Non-ionizing radiation can heat substances. For example, the microwave radiation inside a microwave oven heats water and food rapidly.

Is radiation oxidative stress?

Radiation sources contribute to oxidative stress occurrence by direct excitation and ionization of the individual atoms or molecular elements of macromolecules. Ionizing radiation and both acute and chronic exposure to free radicals induce oxidative stress, causing oxidative damage to exposed tissues.

What is oxidative stress in simple terms?

Overview. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules.