Excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation can have a range of harmful effects on the human body. The severity of these effects depends on the type of radiation, the intensity of the exposure, and the duration of exposure. Here's a breakdown of the effects of each type:
(a) Microwaves: Microwaves are a form of non-ionizing radiation. When the human body is exposed to microwaves, the energy is absorbed by water molecules within the cells. This absorption causes the water molecules to vibrate rapidly, generating heat. This internal heating can lead to tissue damage, burns, and potentially more severe internal injuries. Prolonged exposure can cause damage to organs and disrupt normal bodily functions. The intensity of the microwave radiation is a key factor; higher intensity leads to greater heating.
(b) Infrared: Infrared radiation is also non-ionizing. Similar to microwaves, infrared radiation is absorbed by molecules in the body, causing them to vibrate and heat up. While typically less harmful than microwaves at the same intensity, prolonged exposure to high levels of infrared radiation can cause skin burns. The heat can damage skin cells and cause discomfort or blistering. Eye damage can also occur from intense infrared exposure, leading to temporary or permanent vision impairment.
(c) Ultraviolet: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of ionizing radiation, although less energetic than X-rays or gamma rays. UV radiation can penetrate the outer layers of the skin and damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage can lead to a variety of problems. Short-term effects include sunburn, redness, and pain. Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. UV radiation can also damage the eyes, leading to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. UVB radiation is particularly harmful to skin, while UVA radiation contributes to premature skin aging.
(d) X-rays and Gamma Rays: X-rays and gamma rays are ionizing radiation. This means they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions and causing significant damage to cells. This damage can manifest as mutations (changes in DNA), cell death, and disruption of normal biological processes. Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation can lead to radiation sickness, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and damage to internal organs. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cancer. The severity of the damage depends on the dose of radiation received.