Ionising radiation
Radiation from radioactive material, X-rays, outer space and even part of the radiation from the sun. Ionising radiation has the ability to split chemical compounds into electrically charged particles (= ions). Some ions may be harmful to cells, but most feared is the effect of ionising radiation on our genetic material (DNA), since this may also be split into ions, thus losing or altering its properties. Small amounts of ionising radiation are harmless, but large amounts or frequently repeated exposure may lead to cancer or birth defects.
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