Hazards of EM Waves

Different electromagnetic waves have different effects on living cells. Generally the higher the frequency, the more energy they have so the more dangerous they are.

When infra red is absorbed by anything it gets hot. Too much infra red on your skin would cause sunburn.

Ultra Violet, X Rays and gamma are dangerous in another way too. They ionise molecules inside our cells so that they don't function properly. If too many molecules are ionised then the cell is destroyed.

( ionise = to knock off one or more electrons to produce a charged particle)

If the molecules happen to be DNA in the nucleus of the cell then another serious problem might occur. They cell may start to divide rapidly and uncontrollably. We call this disease cancer.

How much damage is done depends on the type of radiation involved and how much of it is involved, i.e. the dose. For instance UV cannot penetrate very deep into the skin so is more likely to cause skin cancer.

People who work in places where they may be exposed to these dangerous types of radiation must take precautions.
If you worked in a radiotherapy department in a hospital ...

Film badges monitor exposure.	Warning lamps and signs let others know that dangerous radiation is being used	Special clothing contains lead to stop radiation getting through	Workers stand behind protective screens