Radyasyona

Radyasyona is a term used in several languages to denote radiation, the energy emitted by a source and propagating through space or matter. The concept covers both ionizing radiation (such as X-rays and gamma rays) and non-ionizing radiation (such as visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves).

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, potentially causing cellular damage. Acute exposure can cause tissue damage; chronic exposure increases cancer risk. Non-ionizing radiation generally carries lower biological risk but can cause heating or other effects at high doses.

Measurement uses units such as gray (Gy) for absorbed dose and sievert (Sv) for effective dose. Natural background radiation varies by location, typically a few millisieverts (mSv) per year. Medical imaging often contributes a few tenths to several mSv per exam (for example, a chest X-ray is about 0.1 mSv; CT scans may reach several mSv).

Safety and regulation emphasize minimizing exposure through shielding, distance, and time (the ALARA principle). Regulatory limits differ by jurisdiction, with occupational exposure measured in tens of mSv per year and public exposure limited to about 1 mSv annually, or higher in some frameworks.

Radyasyona finds applications in medicine, industry, and research: diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, industrial non-destructive testing, and sterilization of products. Ongoing work in dosimetry, shielding design, and radioprotection seeks to balance benefits with potential risks.