Dangers of EM Waves (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)

Revision Note

Dangers of EM Waves

  • In general, electromagnetic waves become more dangerous the shorter their wavelength

  • The main risks associated with electromagnetic waves are summarised in the table below:

Dangers of EM Waves Table

Wave

Danger

Radio

  • No known danger

Microwave

  • Possible heat damage to soft tissues and internal organs

Infrared

  • Skin burns

Visible light

  • Eye damage

Ultraviolet

  • Eye damage

  • Sunburn

  • Skin cancer

X-rays

  • Kills cells

  • Mutations

  • Cancer

Gamma rays

  • Kills cells

  • Mutations

  • Cancer

Ionising Radiation

  • Radiation from radioactive emissions and short wavelength regions of the electromagnetic spectrum can ionise atoms

    • This is referred to as ionising radiation 

  • Beyond the visible part of the spectrum, the energy becomes large enough to ionise atoms

  • As a result of this, the danger associated with EM waves increases along with the frequency

    • The shorter the wavelength, the more ionising the radiation

    • Although the intensity of a wave also plays an important role

  • In general, electromagnetic waves become more dangerous the shorter their wavelength

    • For example, radio waves have no known harmful effects whilst gamma rays can cause cancer and are regarded as extremely dangerous

  • Because of ionisation, ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on human body tissue

    • The effects depend on the type of radiation and the size of the dose

  • Ionising radiation can interact with atoms, damaging cells by the energy they carry and causing mutations, making them cancerous

Ionising regions in the electromagnetic spectrum

Energy of EM waves, for IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
Ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays can all ionise atoms
  • Because of the harmful effects of ionising radiation, safety precautions must be taken during exposure

    • UV protection (sun lotion) should be worn to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation when out in the sun

    • Time limits should be adhered to when using UV tanning beds, along with goggles to protect eyes from damage

    • Film badges should be used for people who work with X-rays to monitor exposure levels

    • Lead aprons or vests should be worn by people having X-ray scans

    • Gamma rays for cancer treatments should be aimed at the target from different directions to minimise exposure to healthy tissues

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