Final Report on Carcinogens Background Document for X Radiation and Gamma Radiation and Neutrons.

摘要

Ionizing radiation is radiation that has sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions. The result of this ionization is the production of negatively charged free electrons and positively charged ionized atoms. Ionizing radiation can be classified into two groups: photons (gamma and X rays) and particles (alpha, beta, and neutrons). Ionized atoms (free radicals), regardless of how they are formed, are much more active chemically than neutral atoms. These chemically active ions can form compounds that interfere with the processes of cell division and metabolism. The degree of damage suffered during exposure to ionizing radiation depends upon the type, intensity, energy, duration, and chemical form of radiation.