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Radiation and health

Sunset over the ocean.
Radiation is a fact of life. Light and heat from the sun are natural forms of radiation essential for our existence.

Radiation is classified into two categories, ionising and non-ionising radiations.

Ionising radiation includes:

  • cosmic rays
  • X-rays and
  • the radiation from radioactive materials.

Non-ionising radiation includes:

  • ultraviolet light
  • radiant heat
  • radiowaves and
  • microwaves.

Radiation can also be classed in terms of its origin as 'natural' or 'artificial' radiation.