They contain too much energy and therefore try to become stable by releasing their excess energy in the form of radiation. This energy release is classified as either ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. Even though non-ionizing radiation can cause biological damage, it is not a major radiological concern. Comparison - A common misunderstanding is that exposure to radiation can contaminate a person. Exposure to radiation does NOT result in contamination.
Radiation is a type of energy.
We are exposed to radiation from our environment and from within our bodies. The average person living in the U. S. receives a radiation dose of about 360 mrem every year. Our knowledge of radiation health effects is mainly from cases where very high doses of radiation were received over very short periods of time. For example, victims of the atomic bomb radiation in Japan and persons who received high doses of radiation for certain medical treatments. B. Potential Health Effects to Exposed Individuals Workers at radiological facilities who receive any radiation exposure tend to receive small amounts over long time periods.