Radiation

Radiation therapy is used to fight many types of cancer. Radiation targets rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells. Radiation prevents cell division and the replication of DNA (the genetic building blocks).

Intravenous Radiation Theraphy (left)
Machine Radiation (right)

Ionizing and nonionizing radiation can produce both acute and chronic health effects, depending on dose levels. The effects of nonionizing radiation at lower dose levels are uncertain at present. Ionizing radiation at high doses causes both acute disease and delayed effects such as cancer. Victims include workers exposed to various occupational use of X rays or radioactive materials.

Although the disease-producing potential of ionizing radiation at low doses is also uncertain, an increase in chromosome damage has been observed in workers in nuclear shipyards.