Ionizing radiation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-014954",
  "term": "Ionizing radiation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Ionizing Radiation",
  "definition": "1. Radiation that can strip electrons from atoms; e.g., alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.\n\n2. Any type of radiation capable of producing ionization in materials it contacts; includes high-energy charged particles such as alpha and beta rays, and non-particulate radiation such as gamma rays and X-rays. In contrast to wave radiation (e.g., visible light and radio waves) in which waves do not ionize adjacent atoms as they move.\n\n3. Radiation that can strip electrons from atoms, i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.\n\n4. Particles or rays (photon quanta) with enough energy to remove an orbital electron from an atom, creating an electrically charged particle called an ion. Ionizing radiation can damage living tissues and DNA. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays are all forms of ionizing radiation.\n\n5. High-energy radiation capable of producing ionization in substances through which it passes, i.e., radiation that has enough energy to eject electrons from electrically neutral atoms, leaving behind charged atoms or ions; examples are alpha particles (helium nuclei), beta particles (electrons), neutrons, and gamma rays (high frequency electromagnetic waves, x-rays)\n\n6. Radiation with so much energy it can knock electrons out of atoms. Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living things, so it poses a health risk by damaging tissue and DNA in genes.\n\n7. Any or all of the following: Alpha, beta, gamma, or Xrays; neutrons; and high-energy electrons, protons, or other atomic particles; but not sound or radio waves, nor visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light.\n\n8. Radiation that can strip electrons from atoms, i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. High doses can causes massive tissue damage; lower doses can lead to cancer and harmful genetic mutations.\n\n9. Any electromagnetic or particulate radiation capable of displacing electrons from atoms or molecules - directly or indirectly - on its passage through matter, thereby producing ions. Alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, and neutrons are examples of ionizing radiation.",
  "subject": "Chemicals, toxics and pesticides",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Env; Terms of Environment",
    "Radon Glossary of Terms",
    "Childrens Health Protection Glossary",
    "RadNet Glossary; Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary; RadTown Glossary",
    "NOAA Coral Reef Glossary",
    "Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary",
    "40 CFR 190.02 (CFR 2018)",
    "ACE Glossary of Terms; America's Children and the Environment Terms",
    "EPA Emergency Responder Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 8: Radiation Safety Program"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/ionizing-radiation/"
}