There are several different types of radiation present in our surroundings on a day to day basis. Electromagnetic energy from cell phones and radio towers are categorized as non-ionizing radiation and are generally thought to be harmless, while iodizing r ays from x-rays and nuclear energy have been proven to cause cancer. However, in recent years the sheer number of non-ionizing instruments in our environment has caused some scientists to wonder if the assumption that this type of radiation is truly safe at low levels as once thought. As cell phones, microwaves, satellites and radio have all become much more widespread; people claim to suffer everything from headaches to cancer as a result of their exposure to this "harmless" radiation

What is Radiation?

Within the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation is either ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is harmful to humans because exposure causes cells and genetic matter to mutate or change form. This can lead to various types of cancer, affecting the thyroid, breast, bladder, colon, liver, lung, esophagus, ovaries and stomach. Scientists also suspect links to other forms of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Non-ionizing radiation, while it has believed to be safe, is now proven to overheat cells, causing them damage as well. Scientists cannot pinpoint the level at which this type of radiation becomes unsafe, as testing on humans presents an ethical dilemma. However, in animal studies, exposure to cell phone radiation for as little as two minutes is proven to have a damaging effect on the brain and blood vessels.

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