Ionizing radiation is energetic
particles or
waves that have the potential to
ionize an
atom or
molecule through atomic interactions. It is a function of the energy of the individual particles or waves, and not a function of the number of particles or waves present. A large flood of particles or waves will not cause ionization if the individual particles or waves are not energetic enough. These ionizations, if enough occur, can be destructive to biological organisms, and can cause
DNA damage in individual cells. Extensive doses of ionizing radiation have been shown to have a
mutating effect to future generations of the individual receiving the dose. Examples of ionizing radiation are energetic
Beta particles,
neutrons,
alpha particles and energetic
photons (UV and above). The amount of energy required to ionize an atom or molecule may widely vary.
X-rays and
gamma rays will ionize almost any molecule or atom; Far
ultraviolet, near ultraviolet and
visible light are ionizing to very few molecules;
microwaves and
radio waves are
non-ionizing radiation.
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