Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Radiation

Radiation is the energy produced by certain manmade materials, and by naturally-occurring radioactive minerals underground (sometimes known as low level ‘background radiation’).

There are two types of radiation: ionising and non-ionising. Non-ionising radiation is safe, but ionising radiation is potentially harmful.

Non-ionising radiation is found in the environment in sunlight, power-lines, electrical equipment and mobile phone systems which do not have enough energy to produce harmful ionising radiation.

Ionising radiation includes radiation from space that passes into the atmosphere, from medical testing, and industrial and weapons testing.

• What is it used for?
• Risks

• RabiesRadiationRadiotherapyRaynaud's phenomenonRectal examinationRed blood countReiter's syndromeRelapsing feverRenin testRepetitive strain injuryRespiratory distress syndromeRespiratory tract infectionRespite careRestless leg syndromeRestricted growthRetinal detachmentReye's syndromeRhesus factor diseaseRheumatic feverRheumatoid arthritisRhinitisRicketsRingwormRisks and benefits of treatmentRoot canal treatmentRosaceaRoundwormRubella

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