Here's why:
* Ionizing radiation has enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms, creating ions. These ions can disrupt the chemical bonds within molecules, including those that make up DNA.
* DNA damage from ionizing radiation can lead to mutations, cell death, and even cancer.
Examples of ionizing radiation:
* X-rays
* Gamma rays
* Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (high energy UV, like that from the sun)
Important Note: Not all waves are harmful. Non-ionizing radiation, like visible light, infrared radiation, and radio waves, do not have enough energy to ionize atoms. However, high levels of some non-ionizing radiation can still cause harm through other mechanisms.
