When we think about radiation as carcinogens, the cause is cellular: higher energy radiation has enough energy to remove an electron from (or ionize) an atom or molecule. These forms of radiation are called ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has the ability to damage cell DNA, which may in turn, lead to cancer.
Media reports tend to play off the latest reports of a new or insidious source of radiation that may or may not be the next big cancer link. Smartphones, microwaves and other devices in our day-to-day lives have come under fire, although there are no studies that show conclusive evidence of a link between, say, regular smartphone use and brain tumors. In fact, many major cancer research organizations in the U.S. do not find a definitive link between smartphones and other technological devices and cancer.
However, there are many sources of radiation in our everyday lives that DO, in fact, put us at risk for developing cancer. Among them:
UV Rays
Radiation is the emission (sending out) of energy from any source.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. The main source of UV radiation (rays) is the sun, although man-made sources such as tanning beds and welding torches also emit it. UV rays have more energy than visible light but not as much as x-rays and gamma rays. There are three types of UV rays:
UVA rays are the weakest of the UV rays. They can cause skin cells to age and can cause some indirect damage to cells’ DNA. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles.