Authors
- Branka Dresto-Alač, MSc Physiotherapy, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Review
Abstract:
Ionizing radiation, whether photon (X-rays and gamma) or particulate (α-radiation, β-radiation, neutron, etc.), has enough energy to cause ionization (creation of pairs of positively and negatively charged particles-ions) when interacting with matter. This leads to the absorption of radiation energy in the matter. The amount of absorbed energy depends on the type of ionizing radiation and the properties of the matter (atomic number, density). If living organisms are exposed to radiation, it can cause biological harmful effects that may manifest both in the exposed individuals and in their offspring, so exposure to ionizing radiation always carries a health risk.
Keywords:
Ionizing radiation, proton, X-rays