Radiation is present throughout the universe. The decay of atoms is called radioactivity and radiation is the energy produced by this decay. Radiation is of different types but this article will be based on radiation that is most dangerous to us, which is known as “ionizing radiation”. When the electrical ions produced by this decay pass through living tissue, they can influence biological functions

Since the existence of humans, we've been bombarded by radiation from outer space and exposed to radioactive materials in the Earth itself. Scientists estimate that about 80 percent of the radiation we're exposed to comes from natural sources. Nuclear plants and atomic bombs aren't the only sources of radiation. It's all around us, emanating from some common household objects and even the Earth itself

Some of the fears about exposure to radiation are acceptable. Others can be dismissed. In this article, we'll examine some common sources of radiation and see what we can do to keep ourselves safe.

Wireless Technology

Radio frequency is the energy used in wireless technology e.g. phones. While it can hurt you through heat - it's the same technology that cooks in the microwave - radio waves are non-ionizing radiation.

While wireless computer networks don't seem to be a real threat, some scientists say cell phones may increase your risk of cancer. When you use your phone, you're putting the antenna that generates the radio frequency right next to your head; a study published in February 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association said such positioning could alter brain activity. The study used a flip phone; smart phones emit even more radiation. Is this dangerous? No one knows. Still, researchers advise you to play it safe: Since most radiation is generated while the call is connecting, don't put it to your ear until the connection is made. Use the speaker feature when possible, and wear a wireless earpiece if you can't use a speaker.

Medical Exposure

Over the few decades, doctors have employed scans to detect abnormalities --MRI, CT and PET scans, among others --. They use small amounts of radioactive isotopes in nuclear medicine to check for abnormalities in organ systems. All of this is in addition to the old standby, X-rays. While none of these tests have enough radioactivity to pose a threat on their own, many people are worried about the cumulative exposure over a lifetime of medical care. Some experts advise patients to make sure they wear a lead shield over their chests and necks when taking X-rays.

More serious are treatments for disease. Therapeutic radiation treatments for cancer are different from low-dose diagnostic treatments and may cause permanent harm, but that is minor compared to what will happen if the cancer is not treated. Patients dosed with internal radiotherapy are radioactive for a time and must stay away from other people.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas generated by the decay of uranium in rock and soil. As the uranium decays, the radon it produces can seep into buildings, accumulate and become a health hazard. More than half of our exposure to radiation comes from radon. The EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] estimates that about one in 15 homes has elevated radon levels. The most common way to eliminate radon seeping into a home is by installing an activated soil depressurization system, which is a pipe with a fan that vents radon from underneath the house and sealing all entry points to prevent radon from entering your home.

Microwaves

Microwaves use radio frequency waves to vibrate the molecules of the food and generate heat. The energy is not radioactive and does not alter the food. The danger from microwave radiation comes if the door does not completely seal. Microwaves will heat your body just like they warm the food, so standing near a microwave with a faulty door seal can be dangerous. Repeated slamming or simple deterioration due to age can damage door seals. You cannot see or smell radiation leakage, so the Food and Drug Administration advises you to be cautious. Don't stand in front of or lean on the oven while it is in use. To discover high levels of the electromagnetic field, known as EMF, possible using  SOEKS EMF meter.

Smoke Detectors

We majorly have two types of smoke detectors in a common household: Ionization smoke detectors [detect smoke particles through a radionuclide sealed inside them], and photoelectric smoke detectors [utilize a light sensor]. Ionization detectors are better at detecting flash fires; photoelectric detectors are good for smoldering blazes. Many smoke detectors use a combination of both methods. An ionizing smoke detector does not pose a danger to you as long as you don't take it apart. The detector uses radioactive americium-241 bonded to foil and sealed in a chamber. Americium-241 emits alpha particles and gamma rays. Ionizing smoke detectors work by sounding an alarm when smoke interrupts the flow of alpha particles. Variety of radiation detectors can be found HERE