Radiation effects on humans, illustration. Six types of radiation are shown impacting a human body. From top, they are: gamma rays, beta particles, X-
Radiation effects on humans, illustration. Six types of radiation are shown impacting a human body. From top, they are: gamma rays, beta particles, X-rays, alpha particles, and two forms of ultraviolet radiation (UVB and UVA). Beta particles (electrons) and alpha particles (helium nuclei) are forms of ionising radiation. They can damage and cause spontaneous mutation in the body's genetic material (DNA) that can cause cancer. Gamma rays and X-rays and UV radiation are forms of electromagnetic radiation, with gamma rays having a shorter wavelength and being more energetic and penetrating than X-rays, which are more penetrating than UV radiation. X-rays will penetrate soft tissues, but are absorbed by bones. UVB radiation and alpha particles are absorbed by and damage the upper layer of the skin (shown in inset), while UVA radiation penetrates to deeper levels. Gamma rays and alpha and beta particles are produced by radioactive materials. UV radiation is found in sunlight. High doses of gamma rays can be lethal. For this illustration without labels, see image C042/4565. 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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