Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves or particles and is part of our everyday environment. People are exposed to radiation from cosmic rays, as well as to radioactive materials found in the soil, water, food, air and also inside the body.
Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving subatomic particles. Natural radiation comes from many naturally occurring radioactive materials found in soil, water, air and in the body. Every day, people inhale and ingest forms of radiation from air, food and water.
WHO fact sheet on ionizing radiation, health effects and protective measures: includes key facts, definition, sources, type of exposure, health effects, nuclear emergencies, WHO response.
Ionizing radiation is radiation with enough energy that to remove tightly bound electrons from the orbit of an atom, causing that atom to become charged or ionized. Here we are concerned with only one type of radiation, ionizing radiation, which occurs in two forms: waves or particles. There are several forms of electromagnetic radiation, which differ only in frequency and wavelength: Longer ...
We work to strengthen radiation protection of the public, patients and workers worldwide. We provide Member States with evidence-based guidance, tools and technical advice on public health issues related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
The conference on radiation protection in medicine marks a milestone in assessing progress since the Bonn Call for Action, launched in 2012 to strengthen global radiation protection in medicine. Over the past decade, international and scientific organizations, regulators and professional societies have worked to implement its ten priority actions.
Everyone is exposed to UV radiation from the sun and an increasing number of people are exposed to artificial sources used in industry, commerce and recreation. The sun is by far the strongest source of ultraviolet radiation in our environment. Solar emissions include visible light, heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Just as visible light consists of different colours that become apparent in ...