What type of radiation causes cancer?

1. Ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. This means that ionizing radiation can damage the DNA in cells, which can lead to cancer. Ionizing radiation includes:

- X-rays

- Gamma rays

- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

- Alpha particles

- Beta particles

2. Non-ionizing radiation

Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, but it can still cause damage to cells. This damage can increase the risk of cancer. Non-ionizing radiation includes:

- Microwaves

- Radiofrequency (RF) radiation

- Visible light

Here are some common sources of ionizing radiation:

- Medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans

- Radon gas, a radioactive gas found in the ground

- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun

- Nuclear power plants

- Cancer radiation therapy

Here are some common sources of non-ionizing radiation:

- Microwaves, such as those used in microwave ovens

- Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, such as that used in cell phones

- Visible light, such as that emitted from the sun and light bulbs