HEAL
TH AND SAFETY
30
The biological effects of radio frequency energy
should not be confused with the effects from other
types of electromagnetic energy.
Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such
as is found in X-rays and gamma rays, can ionize
biological tissues. Ionization is a process where
electrons are stripped away from their normal
locations in atoms and molecules. It can permanently
damage biological tissues including DNA, the genetic
material.
The energy levels associated with radio frequency
energy, including both radio waves and microwaves,
are not great enough to cause ionization of atoms
and molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type of
non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing
radiation include visible light, infrared radiation
(heat), and other forms of electromagnetic radiation
with relatively low frequencies.
While RF energy does not ionize particles, large
amounts can increase body temperatures and cause
tissue damage. Two areas of the body, the eyes and
the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating
because there is relatively little blood flow in them to
carry away excess heat.
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