I believe that X-rays and Gamma rays have the greatest energy, and are so powerful that they will remove the electron from the atom, this is called ionisation, hence ionising radiation.
Radiation with lower energy i.e. UV, IR, Microwaves and Radiowaves do not contain enough energy for this to occur therefore known as non-ionising.

Non-ionising radiation is used in lighting, lasers, sunbeds, sterilisation, television and radio.

Ionising radiation used in radiography, smoke detectors, nuclear power, and gauges to name but a few.

I hope this helps.

Great stuff people


I decided to sit the NEBOSH General examination last week, just to add to the collection, as I have already got a number of other NEBOSH quals. I thought I would find it easy but....actually found it quite difficult. Maybe it was because I have not studied for an exam for a little while???

Any way, this was one of the questions that come up. It made me feel stupid and taught me not to get too complacent with exams. Hope I passed it, I will be kicking myself if I fail!!!

And of course there are different regs dealing with them- Ionising regs for sources of ionising radiation and the Artificial Optical Radiation regs for things in the infra red, visible and ultraviolet part of the em spectrum (ie wavelengths between 1 mm-infra red to 100 nm-UVC)
Anything outside thse that might pose a risk at work (eg microwaves) should be caught by a risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.