ABSTRACT
Non-ionizing radiation is generally regarded as being that part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths greater than 0.1 nm. Should radiation of this energy level impinge upon tissue, the energy imparted is not sufficient to produce excitation or ionization in the form described in Chapter 31. Non-ionizing radiation may still be hazardous, however, as it can cause tissue disruption by thermal damage, and there is a growing body of opinion about a number of less tangible effects upon the human body, which include a number of specific hazards in the workplace. There are many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that should be considered under the umbrella of ‘nonionizing radiation’. These are identified under separate headings below. It must be appreciated that the radiations consist of part or parts of a continuous spectrum and that the divisions employed are therefore somewhat artificial. They are, however, necessary to assist our understanding of this form of potential hazard.
