irradiating

Irradiating is the act of exposing a material or substance to radiation in order to cause a physical, chemical, or biological change. The term covers exposure to both ionizing and non-ionizing forms of radiation, depending on the energy and type involved. Ionizing irradiation employs high-energy particles or photons capable of removing electrons from atoms, such as alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays. This type of irradiation is used in medical radiotherapy to treat cancer, in sterilization of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, in food irradiation to inactivate pests and pathogens, and in materials science to modify polymers and metals through crosslinking or irradiation-induced aging. The absorbed dose is usually expressed in grays (Gy); in medical contexts, effective dose estimates use sieverts (Sv) to reflect biological risk.

Non-ionizing irradiation uses lower-energy radiation, including infrared, visible light, ultraviolet light, microwaves, and radiofrequency fields. It commonly produces heating or photochemical effects rather than direct ionization. Applications range from industrial drying and polymer curing to sterilization methods that rely on UV light, as well as cooking and signaling technologies.

Safety and regulation are central to irradiation practices. Ionizing irradiation requires shielding, containment, dosimetry, and regulatory licensing due to risks such as tissue damage and cancer. Waste handling, environmental impact, and accidental exposure are addressed by safety standards in medicine, industry, and research.