HEAL
TH AND SAFETY
42
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
nonionizing 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.
cricket_GSIII_QRM.indd 42
10/26/2012 2:46:05 PM