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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Radiation_biology
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-02
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Study of how living things are affected by
radioactive (ionizing) emissions (see
radioactivity) and by electromagnetic
(nonionizing) radiation (electromagnetic
waves). Both are potentially harmful and can
cause leukaemia and other cancers; even low
levels of radioactivity are very dangerous.
Both can be used therapeutically, for example
to treat cancer, when the radiation dose is
very carefully controlled (radio therapy or
X-ray therapy). Radioactive emissions are
more harmful. Exposure to high levels
produces radiation burns and radiation
sickness, plus genetic damage (resulting in
birth defects) and cancers in the longer
term. Exposure to low-level ionizing
radiation can also cause genetic damage and
cancers, particularly leukaemia.
Electromagnetic radiation is usually harmful
only if exposure is to high-energy emissions,
for example close to powerful radio
transmitters or near radar-wave sources. Such
exposure can cause organ damage, cataracts,
loss of hearing, leukaemia and other cancers,
or premature ageing. It may also affect the
nervous system and brain, distorting their
electrical nerve signals and leading to
depression, disorientiation, headaches, and
other symptoms. Individual sensitivity varies
and some people are affected by electrical
equipment such as televisions, computers, and
refrigerators.