ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses ionising radiation, its common sources, and its quantification, health effects, measurement and controls. It discloses non-ionising radiation, which includes ultraviolet, visible, infrared, radiofrequency and extremely low frequency radiation, and static fields. Overexposure to ionising radiation can cause a range of adverse health effects, including increasing the risk of cancer. The International System of Radiological Protection has been developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, which publishes dose limits, and many other ionising-radiation safety publications. Everybody is exposed to background radiation, but ionising radiation is widely used in medical applications and research, as well as industry. Alpha and beta particles, neutrons, gamma rays and X-rays are known as ionising radiation because they have sufficient energy to ionise the medium through which they travel. The penetrating and ionising abilities of the different types of ionising radiation vary. An external radiation hazard is present when a source of ionising radiation is located outside the body.
