Radiation effects on humans, illustration. Three types of radiation are shown impacting or passing through a human body. From top, they are: gamma ray


Radiation effects on humans, illustration. Three types of radiation are shown impacting or passing through a human body. From top, they are: gamma rays, beta particles, and X-rays. Beta particles are a form of ionising radiation and consist of high-energy electrons. They can damage and cause spontaneous mutation in the body's genetic material (DNA) that can cause cancer. Gamma rays and X-rays are forms of electromagnetic radiation, with gamma rays having a shorter wavelength and being more energetic and penetrating than X-rays. X-rays will penetrate soft tissues, but are absorbed by bones. Gamma rays and beta particles are produced by radioactive materials. Exposure to an excessive amount of gamma rays can be lethal. For this illustration without labels, see image C042/4561. For other illustrations on radiation effects, see images C042/4558 to C042/4569.


Size: 4384px × 5315px
Photo credit: © MIKKEL JUUL JENSEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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