ABSTRACT
Unlike other forms o f electromagnetic radiation, such as light, which do not ionize matter, ionizing radiation ultimately creates free radicals which are highly destructive to living tissue. Ionizing radiation is emitted from naturally occurring radioactive isotopes and can also be artificially generated with the use o f electricity. Gamma rays, X-rays, beta particles and electrons are types o f radiation that lead to ionization and are often used in clinical radiation oncology.
