Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules. Instead of producing charged ions when passing through matter, the electromagnetic radiation has sufficient energy only for excitation, the movement of an electron to a higher energy state. We come across non-ionizing radiation quite often and it includes sunlight, welding light, microwaves, etc. The biological effects are different from ionizing radiation and mainly relate to burns to skin and cataracts to the eyes due to Ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ionizing radiation refers to highly-energetic particles or waves that can detach (ionize) at least one electron from an atom or molecule. It includes X-rays which you can encounter during radiography (non-destructive testing), or radiation from NORM. This type of radiation does not occur very often in our workplaces. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause radiation sickness and long-term effects (i.e., tumors)
