What is the difference between RF and other forms of electromagnetic radiation?
The frequency of an electromagnetic wave has very important consequences for the way in which it interacts with the human body. Very high frequency electromagnetic waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, and radiation emitted from radioactive substances are classified as ionising forms of radiation. This means that they carry sufficient quantum energy to strip electrons away from atoms creating free radicals which can be damaging to cells in the human body, subsequently high doses of ionising radiation is damaging to the human body and human DNA and can cause cancer. Radiowaves, visible light and microwaves are all considered non-ionising forms of radiation. This is because, no matter how intense, non-ionising radiation is incapable of breaking electrical bonds within atoms. However, non-ionising radiation does cause a heating effect which is proportional to its intensity and if present in sufficient quantity may be harmful.
