immediate) effects do not occur in any tissue at doses < 150 mSv / year, and in most tissues at < 500 mSv / year. Annual radiation dose limits for susceptible tissues, such as the lens of the eye or the skin, are therefore set so that deterministic effects do not occur.
Non-ionising radiation In contrast to ionising radiations, the risks from non-ionising radiation exposure are less well studied, although they can present significant health risks.
One of the most common types of exposure is to UV radiation in sunlight, which in addition to sunburn can result in premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancers. Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, resulting in 4 % of all new cancer cases. In the last decade, the incidence of malignant melanoma has increased by 32 %, and it accounts for 1 % of all UK cancer deaths. However, the risk of developing melanoma in the UK( 1 in 36 for males and 1 in 47 for females) is lower than the incidence of nonmalignant skin cancers, which will be developed by 1 in 5 of the population during their lifetime.
In addition to UV, other articles in this magazine discuss hazards associated with other types of non-ionising radiations which include injury to skin or eyes( optical radiation) and tissue heating or contact currents( electromagnetic fields). Persons with implanted or body worn devices are at particular risk. A range of damage thresholds have been identified and relevant exposure limit values agreed internationally through the International Commission for Non- Ionizing Radiation Protection( ICNIRP) and other bodies. As is the case for all radiation effects, research is ongoing.
Beautician performing a laser hair removal procedure
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