Dangers of High-Energy EM Waves Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

As you go along the electromagnetic spectrum, how does the potential danger of the waves change?

The potential danger increases as frequency increases.

True or false? Higher-frequency electromagnetic waves are more dangerous because they travel faster.

False. All EM waves travel at the same speed; the danger rises because higher frequency means higher energy.

What is the harmful effect on people of excessive exposure to microwaves?

Internal heating of body cells.

What is the harmful effect on people of excessive exposure to infrared radiation?

Skin burns.

What are the harmful effects on people of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation?

Damage to surface cells and to the eyes, leading to skin cancer and eye conditions.

What is the harmful effect on people of excessive exposure to X-rays and gamma rays?

Mutation or damage to cells in the body, which can cause cancer.

Which three types of electromagnetic radiation are ionising?

Ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.