10

Science
Second Quarter
The Effects of EM Radiations on Living
Things and Environment

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

First Edition, 2020

Published in the Philippines

By the Department of Education
Region 8 – Division of Samar

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This Learning Activity Sheet is developed by DepEd Region 8 –

Division of Samar.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this learning resource may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical,
without written permission from the DepEd Regional Office 8 – Division of Samar.

Development Team of Science Activity Sheet

Writer: Maria Virginia P. Geroca, SST-III

Illustrator & Layout Artists:
Reviewer: Gina L. Palines, PhD.
Editor: Maria Virginia P. Geroca, SST-III

Carmela R. Tamayo Ed.D., CESO V – Schools Division Superintendent

Moises D. Labian Jr. Ph.D., CESO VI – Asst. Schools Division Superintendent
Antonio F. Caveiro, Ph.D. - Chief Education Supervisor, CID
Gina L. Palines, Ph.D. - EPS – Science
Josefina F. Dacallos EdD. – PSDS/LRMS Manager Designate

Deogene U. Dapuran, Ph.D. - District Head

Adela V. Bagas - School Principal
 SCIENCE 10

NAME OF LEARNER :___________________________ GRADE LEVEL:_______ SECTION: ________________

SCHOOL : ___________________________ DATE : _______________________________

Risks of Non-Ionizing Radiation

LESSON 1

I. Introduction:

Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does

not carry enough energy per quantum photon energy to ionize atoms or molecules
—that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule.  Instead of
producing charged ions when passing through matter, non-ionizing
electromagnetic radiation has sufficient energy only for excitation, the movement of
an electron to a higher energy state. In contrast, ionizing radiation has a higher
frequency and shorter wavelength than non-ionizing radiation, and can be a
serious health hazard; exposure to it can cause burns, radiation sickness, cancer,
and genetic damage.

II. MELC (wih code)

Explain the effects of EM radiation on living things and the environment.

(S10FE-IIe-f-49)

III. Strategy:

A. Explore
Check your understanding!
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following in NOT an example of non-ionizing

radiation?
A. X-ray c. Ultraviolet
b. Microwave D. Visible light
2. Exposure to normal levels of extremely low frequency (ELF) waves
causes_________
a. Brain damage c. severe burns
b. Asthma d. no damaging effects
3. Children like fetus is in great danger than adults from the
exposure of microwave radiation.
a. True
b. False
 4. Both UVA and UVB light are important for humans in the
production of Vitamin D in the skin and gives us tanning
effects. Overexposure to UV radiation may cause___________.
a. Heart failure c. asthma
b. Cancer d. high blood pressure
5. According to the National Cancer Institute, what forms of
non-ionizing radiations has no experimental evidence showing
that at normal levels of this radiation are dangerous to
humans.
a. Visible light c. microwave
b. Extremely low frequency d.infrared

B. Learn

Activity1: Non-Ionizing Radiations

Objective: Identify the forms of non-ionizing radiations.
Material: Electromagnetic spectrum image
Directions:
1. Look at the electromagnetic spectrum in the figure below
2. Identify the examples of non-ionizing radiations and write your
answer in the box.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Enter your
answer on
the box.
Guide Question:

1. What is non-ionizing radiation?

2. What do you think are the possible effects of non-ionizing radiation to
living things and environment?

Non-Ionizing Radiation and Its Risks

Radiation exists all around us, from both natural and manmade
sources, and is in two forms: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons
from atoms and molecules of materials that include air, water, and
living tissue. Ionizing radiation can travel unseen and pass through
these materials.

Non-Ionizing Radiation is a type of low-energy radiation that does not have

enough energy to remove an electron (negative particle) from an atom or molecule.
Most types of non-ionizing radiation have not been found to cause cancer. This
radiation exists all around us from many sources.  It is to the left of
ionizing radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum in the figure below.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Non-ionizing radiation includes visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light;

microwaves; radio waves; and radiofrequency energy from cell phones.

The dividing line between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation occurs in

the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum [shown in the
illustration of the electromagnetic spectrum above]. Radiation in the
ultraviolet band and at lower energies (to the left of ultraviolet) is
called non-ionizing radiation, while at the higher energies to the right
of the ultraviolet band is called ionizing radiation.

Examples of Non-Ionizing Radiation

Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, welding, black
lights and UV lasers. The sun emits UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVC
rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and never actually reach the
Earth. Both UVA and UVB light are important for humans in the
production of Vitamin D. However, the effects of overexposure to UV
rays can be negative and can be immediate or delayed. Sunburn, skin
cancer and cataracts develop over time with excessive exposure.

Visible Light
The visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum can be
seen by humans, animals and other organisms. This type of light
consists of seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and
violet. When all the colors are present at one time, the light is white.
Rainbows are created when visible light passes through raindrops. The
raindrops act like a prism and break the light down into its individual
colors. Overexposure to visible light can damage both the eyes and
skin.

Infrared
Everything on Earth gives off some amount of infrared (IR)
radiation. The human eye can’t see most of the IR spectrum, but we
can feel it as heat. IR radiation is used in furnaces, heat lamps,
toasters, night-vision goggles and the lasers seen on TV remote
controls. About half of the total energy the sun gives off is in the form
of IR radiation, which we feel as heat. In large amounts, this type of
radiation can damage the eyes and even cause blindness.
IR radiation from the sun is normally absorbed by the Earth’s surface
and the clouds, then released as heat into the atmosphere. When the
atmosphere has a lot of water vapor, along with nitrogen, sulfur and
fluorocarbons, the IR radiation gets trapped and causes the
atmospheric temperature to rise.
This is called the greenhouse effect. Temperature increases like this
cause changes in the weather patterns on Earth and lead to climate
change. 6

Microwaves
Microwave radiation (MW) comes from microwave ovens, radar,
transmission towers, satellite transmissions, the sun and Cosmic
Microwave Background (CMB) radiation. CMB is radiation left over
from the Big Bang when the universe began. A microwave oven works
because microwaves excite the water molecules in food and cause
them to vibrate, generating heat and cooking the food. Atoms and
molecules can also emit and absorb MW radiation. Overexposure to
MW radiation can cause cataracts and skin burns.
There are three subcategories of MW radiation. Extremely high
frequency (EHF) waves are used in remote sensors and radio
astronomy. Super high frequency (SHF) waves are commonly used in
microwave ovens, radar transmitters, cell phones and satellite
communications. Finally, the ultra-high frequency (UHF) is used in
television broadcasts, walkie-talkies and cordless phones. Microwaves
are sometimes grouped with radio waves because these two types of
non-ionizing radiation have some overlap on the electromagnetic
spectrum.

Radio Frequencies
AM and FM radio broadcasts, Wi-Fi signals, cell phones,
amateur radio, television and airport security scanners use radio
frequency (RF) waves. This type of non-ionizing radiation is absorbed
throughout the body. The effects of RF waves on the body are similar
to MW radiation in terms of heat generation. Exposure to
electromagnetic fields in this frequency range can warm up exposed tissues
because these absorb the radio wave and convert these into heat. The
frequency level determines the depth of penetration into the body. For
example, using a cell phone causes the ear and/or head to get warm.
Warming up by this radiation is the most dangerous for the brain, eyes,
genitals, stomach, liver and kidneys. Like MW radiation, RF waves are
divided into categories: high frequency (HF), medium frequency (MF),
low frequency (LF) and very low frequency (VLF). There is no scientific
proof that RF non-ionizing radiation increases the risk of cancer or
causes any harmful effects on the body.

Extremely Low Frequencies

Extremely low frequency7 (ELF) waves are on the far end of the
electromagnetic spectrum and 7 come from power lines, electrical
equipment and wiring, and electrical appliances such as electric
blankets, refrigerators, razors and hair dryers. ELF waves can go
through water so they are also used for detection by submarines.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no experimental
evidence showing that normal levels of ELF radiation are dangerous to
humans.
Lasers
Lasers aren’t a form of non-ionizing radiation, but they are made
from it. The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the
Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers stimulate atoms and
molecules and cause them to produce light and concentrate it into a
beam of radiation. Lasers can be made from visible light, UV and IR
waves. Store checkout scanners, CD and DVD players, remote
controls, dental drills, laser pointers and laser printers all use lasers.
They have many industrial and medical applications as well. Masers
work in the same way, except they amplify MW and RF waves (the “M”
stands for microwave). Lasers are also made from the elements argon,
helium and neon, ruby crystals, chemicals and liquid dyes. When not
used properly, lasers burn and cause severe damage to tissues,
especially in the eye. The narrow beam of light concentrates the effects
on the retina, causing blind spots.

C. Engage
Activity 2: Identifying Effects
Directions:
1. Referring again to the chart below we can see that Non-Ionizing radiation
comes in the forms of: ELF (extremely low frequency), Radio Frequencies,
Microwave
Frequencies, Lasers, Infrared, Visible Spectrum and Ultraviolet

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html
 2. Write the effects of the different forms of non-ionizing radiations on the table
below.

Non-ionizing Radiations Possible Effects to Health

1. Extremely Low Frequency
2. Radio frequencies
3. microwave
4. Lasers
5. Infrared
6. Visible spectrum
7. Ultraviolet

D. Apply
Check your understanding!

1. What is non-ionizing radiation?

2. What are the effects of non-ionizing radiation to living things?

Assessment
Check your understanding!
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. According to the National Cancer Institute, what forms of non-

ionizing radiations has no experimental evidence showing that at
normal levels of this radiation are dangerous to humans.
a. Visible light c. microwave
b. Extremely low frequency d. infrared

2. Both UVA and UVB light are important for humans in the
production of Vitamin D in the skin and gives us tanning effects.
Overexposure to UV radiation10
may cause_________.
a. Heart failure c. asthma
b. Cancer d. high blood pressure
3. Which of the following in NOT an example of non-ionizing radiation?
A. X-ray c. Ultraviolet
b. Microwave D. Visible light
4. Exposure to normal levels of extremely low frequency (ELF) waves
causes_________
a. Brain damage c. severe burns
b. Asthma d. no damaging effects

5. Children like fetus is in great danger than adults from the exposure of
microwave radiation.
a. True b. False
 Risks of Ionizing Radiation
LESSON 2

I. Introduction
Ionizing radiation (ionising radiation) is radiation, traveling as
a particle or electromagnetic wave that carries sufficient energy to
detach electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing an atom or a
molecule. Ionizing radiation is made up of energetic subatomic
particles, ions or atoms moving at high speeds (usually greater than 1%
of the speed of light), and electromagnetic waves on the high-energy end
of the electromagnetic spectrum.

 Gamma rays, x-rays and the higher ultraviolet part of the

electromagnetic spectrum are ionizing. The boundary between ionizing
and non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that occurs in the ultraviolet
is not sharply defined, since different molecules and atoms ionize
at different energies.

II. MELC (wih code)

Explain the effects of EM radiation on living things and the environment.

(S10FE-IIe-f-49)

III. Strategy:

A. Explore
Check your understanding!
True or False: Write the word True if the statement is correct and False if
otherwise.
1. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause cancer.
2. Cells that normally proliferate more rapidly are most sensitive to ionizing
radiation.
3. Strongest ionizing radiation is X-ray.
4. Process in which alpha and beta rays pass close to atoms and knocks
electrons out is called ionization.
5. Too much exposure to X-rays can damage body tissues and can cause
cancer.

B. Learn
 Activity: Ionizing Radiations
Objective: Identify the forms of ionizing radiations.
Material: Electromagnetic spectrum image.

Directions:
1. Look at the electromagnetic spectrum in the figure below
2. Identify the forms of ionizing radiations and write your answer in the box.

Enter your answer on the box.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/

Write your answers here

Guide Questions:
1. What is ionizing radiation? What do you think are the possible effects of
ionizing radiation on living things and environment?

Ionizing Radiation and Its Risks

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms that travels in the

form of electromagnetic waves (gamma or X-rays) or particles (neutrons, beta or
alpha). The spontaneous disintegration of atoms is called radioactivity, and the
excess energy emitted is a form of ionizing radiation. Unstable elements which
disintegrate and emit ionizing radiation are called radionuclides.
Ionizing radiation takes a few forms: Alpha, beta, and neutron particles, and
gamma and X-rays. All types are caused by unstable atoms, which have either an
excess of energy or mass (or both). In order to reach a stable state, they must
release that extra energy or mass in the form of radiation.
 It is well known that high doses of ionizing radiation can cause harm, but
there is continuing scientific uncertainty about effects at low doses. At levels of
dose routinely encountered by members of the public and most present-day
radiation workers, there is little or no epidemiological evidence of health effects.
Radiation protection standards recognize that it is not possible to eliminate all
radiation exposure, but they do provide for a system of control to avoid
unnecessary exposure and to keep doses in the low dose range.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html
1. ALPHA RADIATION

14

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Alpha radiation: The emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus of an atom

Alpha radiation occurs when an atom undergoes radioactive decay, giving off
a particle (called an alpha particle) consisting of two protons and two
neutrons (essentially the nucleus of a helium-4 atom), changing the
originating atom to one of an element with an atomic number 2 less and
atomic weight 4 less than it started with. Due to their charge and mass,
alpha particles interact strongly with matter, and only travel a few
centimeters in air. Alpha particles are unable to penetrate the outer layer of
dead skin cells, but are capable, if an alpha emitting substance is ingested
in food or air, of causing serious cell damage. Alexander Litvinenko is a
famous example. He was poisoned by polonium-210, an alpha emitter, in
his tea.
The health effect from exposure to alpha particles depends greatly on how a
person is exposed. Alpha particles lack the energy to penetrate even the
outer layer of skin, so exposure to the outside of the body is not a major
concern. Inside the body, however, they can be very harmful. If alpha-
emitters are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the
alpha particles can damage sensitive living tissue. The way these large,
heavy particles cause damage makes them more dangerous than other types
of radiation. The ionizations they cause are very close together - they can
release all their energy in a few cells. This results in more severe damage to
cells and DNA.

2. BETA RADIATION

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Beta radiation: The emission of a beta particle from the nucleus of an atom
Beta radiation takes the form of either an electron or a positron (a particle with the
size and mass of an electron, but with a positive charge) being emitted from an
atom. Due to the smaller mass, it is able to travel further in air, up to a few meters,
and can be stopped by a thick piece of plastic, or even a stack of paper. It can
penetrate skin a few centimeters, posing somewhat of an external health risk.
However, the main threat is still primarily from internal emission from ingested
material.

Beta particles are more penetrating

15 than alpha particles, but are less
damaging to living tissue and DNA because the ionizations they produce are
more widely spaced. They travel farther in air than alpha particles, but can
be stopped by a layer of clothing or by a thin layer of a substance such as
aluminum. Some beta particles are capable of penetrating the skin and
causing damage such as skin burns. However, as with alpha-emitters, beta-
emitters are most hazardous when they are inhaled or swallowed.

3. GAMMA RADIATION

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

Gamma radiation: The emission of an high-energy wave from the nucleus of an atom
Gamma radiation, unlike alpha or beta, does not consist of any particles, instead
consisting of a photon of energy being emitted from an unstable nucleus. Having no
mass or charge, gamma radiation can travel much farther through air than alpha
or beta, losing (on average) half its energy for every 500 feet. Gamma waves can be
stopped by a thick or dense enough layer material, with high atomic number
materials such as lead or depleted uranium being the most effective form of
shielding.

The extremely high energy of gamma rays allows them to penetrate just
about anything. They can even pass through bones and teeth. This makes
gamma rays very dangerous. They can destroy living cells, produce gene
mutations, and cause cancer. Ironically, the deadly effects of gamma rays
can be used to treat cancer. In this type of treatment, a medical device
sends out focused gamma rays that target cancerous cells. The gamma rays
kill the cells and destroy the cancer.
1. X-RAYS

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/
nonionizing_radiation.html

X-Rays: The emission of a high

energy wave from the electron cloud
of an atom

X-rays are similar to gamma radiation,

16 with the primary difference being that
they originate from the electron cloud. This is generally caused by energy changes
in an electron, such as moving from a higher energy level to a lower one, causing
the excess energy to be released. X-Rays are longer-wavelength and (usually) lower
energy than gamma radiation, as well.
X-rays can cause mutations in our DNA and, therefore, might lead to cancer
later in life. For this reason, X-rays are classified as a carcinogen by both the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the United States government.
While X-rays are linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer, there is an
extremely low risk of short-term side effects.
Exposure to high radiation levels can have a range of effects, such as vomiting,
bleeding, fainting, hair loss, and the loss of skin and hair.
However, X-rays provide such a low dose of radiation that they are not
believed to cause any immediate health problems.
The use of X-rays and radioactive materials in science, medicine, and industry led
to the recognition, documented by reports of radiation burns, that radiation
exposure, although helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, might also
be harmful, and protective measures were taken to limit exposure
All X-rays are dangerous because they can damage healthy living cells. Of the
body. This is the reason why frequent exposure to X-rays should be avoided. Too
much exposure to X-rays can damage body tissues and can cause cancer.
 2. NEUTRON RADIATION

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html 17

Neutron radiation: The emission of a neutron from the nucleus of an atom

Lastly, Neutron radiation consists of a free neutron, usually emitted as a result of

spontaneous or induced nuclear fission. Able to travel hundreds or even thousands
of meters in air, they are however able to be effectively stopped if blocked by a
hydrogen-rich material, such as concrete or water. Not typically able to ionize an
atom directly due to their lack of a charge, neutrons most commonly are indirectly
ionizing, in that they are absorbed into a stable atom, thereby making it unstable
and more likely to emit off ionizing radiation of another type. Neutrons are, in fact,
the only type of radiation that is able to turn other materials radioactive.
In health physics neutron radiation is a type of radiation hazard. Another,
sometimes more severe hazard of neutron radiation, is neutron activation, the
ability of neutron radiation to induce radioactivity in most substances it
encounters, including bodily tissues. [2] This occurs through the capture of neutrons
by atomic nuclei, which are transformed to another nuclide, frequently a
radionuclide. This process accounts for much of the radioactive material released
by the detonation of a nuclear weapon. It is also a problem in nuclear fission and
nuclear fusion installations as it gradually renders the equipment radioactive such
that eventually it must be replaced and disposed of as low-level radioactive waste.

C. Engage
Activity 4: Recognizing the Effects!
Directions:
1. Referring again to the chart below we can see that Ionizing radiation comes in
the forms of: X-rays, gamma rays, alpha radiation, beta radiations and neutron
radiations
 Ionizing Radiations

https://
www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/nonionizing_radiation.html

2. Write the effects of the different forms of ionizing radiations on the table below.

Ionizing Radiations Effects

1. X-rays
2. Gamma rays
3. Alpha radiation
4. Beta Radiations
5. Neutron radiations

1. What are the forms of ionizing radiations?

2. Explain how gamma rays can be used to treat cancer.

D. Apply
Doctors can observe the result of a skier’s unfortunate accident-a broken leg- by taking an X-
ray. X-ray photography help doctors in diagnosing bone fractures.It is advisable that we have frequent
exposure to X-rays? Explain.
 Solutions to Reduce EM Radiations Hazards
LESSON 3
I. Introduction The effects of electromagnetic radiation upon living cells,
including those in humans, depends upon the radiation's power and
frequency. For low-frequency radiation (radio waves to visible light) the
best-understood effects are those due to radiation power alone, acting
through heating when radiation is absorbed. For these thermal effects,
frequency is important as it affects the intensity of the radiation and
penetration into the organism (for example, microwaves penetrate better
than infrared). It is widely accepted that low frequency fields that are too
weak to cause significant heating could not possibly have any biological

Objective :
effect.
II. MELC (with code)
Explain the effects of EM radiation on living things and the environment.
(S10FE-IIe-f-49)
III. Strategy

A. Explore
Check your understanding!
True or False: Write the word True if the statement is correct and False if
otherwise.

1. Humans can sense ionizing radiations.

2. If you work around radioactive materials, it’s good to have a radiation
detector.
3. Use a Respirator or face mask in working radioactive material.
4. All radiations are the same.
5. Reduction any agent that can cause harm or damage to humans, property,
or the environment.

B. Learn
Activity 3: Electronic Gadgets
Objective: cite some tips to reduce EM radiations in gadgets.
Material: Image
Procedures:
1. Look at the image below.
 2. Analyze the image and write some possible tips to reduced EM
radiations in using gadgets.
3. Write your tips on the table below.

https://kidskare.in/electronic-gadgets-in-children/

Tips to Avoid Gadgets Exposure

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

22

1. How safe are electronic gadgets in children?

2. What are the potentially harmful effects of these devices?
3. What can parents do about it?

How to Reduce EM Radiation?

Common sense and some basic information can greatly reduce radiation
exposure and risk for most people. Here is some basic information to help you
minimize your dose and risk.
Things to be Aware of:
1. Humans cannot sense ionizing radiation. When we have been in the sun
too long our body usually tells us it’s time to get in the shade. Ionizing
radiation is different. We cannot see, hear or sense ionizing radiation under
normal circumstances, unless we have radiation detector to help us out.
2. All radiation isn’t the same. Sunlight and light from the stars (and the
lights in your home) are electromagnetic radiation. So is the radiation from
your microwave oven. Although there are risks from exposure to sunlight
and microwave radiation, that risk is from a different type of impact than the
risk created by ionizing radiation.
3. Ionizing Radiation comes in Waves. One form of ionizing radiation (gamma
radiation) is electromagnetic (much like the visible light from the stars), but
it’s wavelength is shorter and thus more penetrating. It has enough energy
to alter atoms, molecules and DNA. It can also create free radicals in the
human body.
4. Gamma Radiation and X Rays Share Similar Characteristics. Both are
electromagnetic with wavelengths shorter (and more penetrating) than visible
light. Gamma rays are released when unstable radioactive minerals release
energy as they change state and chemical composition. X-rays are created by
humans (usually deliberately) in an electrical mechanical process, typically
for the purpose of medical or industrial imaging. Some energies of gamma
and x radiation are more potentially damaging than others, but that is a big
discussion. As a general rule, itʻs good to limit exposure to gamma and x
rays, and other forms of ionizing radiation, to as low as reasonably
achievable.
5. Ionizing Radiation also comes in the form of charged particles. There
are subatomic particles that can ionize matter when released from an atom
undergoing transition – and the most notable of these are alpha and beta
particles.
6. Waves and Particles both Matter. There is a lot going on in the invisible
subatomic realm. While gamma and x rays are basically light that has such
short wavelength that it is outside the visible range, particles have mass and
weight. Both forms of ionizing radiation can
23
7. affect matter by altering other atoms, molecules and DNA (what we are
made of).
8. More about Alpha radiation: Although not nearly as penetrating as beta
and gamma radiation, alpha radiation can actually be more damaging if the
source is taken internally by respiration or ingestion.

9. More about Beta Radiation. Beta radiation

24 is often ignored in dosimetry.
Risk from beta radiation is relative depending on the energy of the particle
and whether the source is external or ingested. Certain radionuclides that
emit beta radiation, such as Strontium 90, can accumulate in the bones and
create increased health risk.
10.We Should not forget Neutrons. (especially if you work around nuclear
reactors). They don’t have an electrical charge like alpha and beta particles,
but they do have mass and can induce biological effects. If you donʻt work
around reactors or strategic nuclear materials there is little or no reason to
be concerned about them. If you do work around an operating reactor then
you need special training and specialized instruments to protect yourself. If
 you are trying to detect certain materials used in nuclear weapons, neutrons
detection can be important.

How to Protect Yourself

1. If you work around radioactive materials it’s good to have a radiation
detector. Things change from day to day. Other workers can forget to
replace shielding around sources. X-ray machines can be be inadvertently
activated. Things can get spilled. Itʻs good to review your environment on a
regular basis.
2. Counting on a Dosimeter can leave you Vulnerable. Dosimeters generally
tell you what dose you have received after the fact. While this may be useful
for regulatory compliance and limiting your lifetime dose, it does not help
you keep your dose minimized on a day to day basis.
3. Use Time Distance and Shielding to Protect Yourself. Putting distance
and shielding between you and a radiation source is an immediately effective
way of reducing your exposure. Reducing the time you are being exposed is
another way.
4. Use a Respirator or Face Mask if You are exposed to airborne sources.
5. Properly Label Sources and keep them Shielded.
6. Be Aware of All Sources of Radiation Exposure. We are all exposed to
radiation every day from natural sources, outer space, the earth, radon gas
in our homes and businesses. We are also exposed inadvertently to sources
that can include people undergoing medical procedures and radioactive
7. Be Thoughtful and Informed about Medical X-rays. Medical imaging can
provide important and lifesaving diagnostic information. It is also sometimes
used unnecessarily. Sometimes the same diagnostic information can be
obtained by using techniques that reduce dose.
Things to Think About
1. Risk Reduction is usually an automatic process for most potential
hazards. It’s something that we do every day, whether we are conscious
about it or not. When we pull our car out from a side street onto a main road
our eyes, ears and brain are at heightened
24
2. awareness. We are sensing, observing, listening, internally calculating the
speed of oncoming vehicles, making judgements about when it is safe to
proceed and how rapidly or slowly to do so.
With radiation we are limited in what we can see, so we need instruments,
knowledge and awareness to navigate.
3. Knowledge and Instrumentation can form the basis for awareness in the
invisible world of ionizing radiation. A good radiation detector will help
you learn what is hot and what is not. Many people will find that things are
pretty normal around them. Every person with a good instrument will also
find that we are surrounded by naturally occurring radiation all of the time.
Whether it is the muons raining on the surface of the earth from outer
space, or the naturally occurring radiation in the soil beneath our feet, there
is always some radiation present in our lives. We can’t do anything about
that. What we want to do is limit the extra and unnecessary exposures that
are preventable, and relax. Stress can also cause health problems.

WHAT ARE EMFS?

EMFs or electromagnetic frequencies are essentially electric and magnetic
fields that radiate energy. The sun gives out EMFs as do power lines. Many
appliances and systems that use electricity also emit EMFs. Low level EMF
exposure is not believed to be dangerous and common in microwaves, cell phones,
X-rays, MRIs, power lines and more. EMF exposure decreases as the distance
between you and the object emitting EMF increases.
Today as high as 87 percent of the world’s population uses electricity daily
and this number is expected to go up significantly in the near future, according to
the World Bank.

HOW CAN EMF’S IMPACT OUR HEALTH?

Electrical devices produce frequencies that communicate with the electrons
and atoms within our cellular structures. This can cause disruptions in the body
chemistry.
Research conducted about EMF exposure has revealed that EMFs can
reduce the pineal glands production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone
necessary for sleep that also has the powerful ability to suppress cancer cells.
Sensitivity to EMF exposure can vary but symptoms include fatigue, poor
sleep and a lower ability to handle stress than previously. Long-term exposure can
result in foggy brain and has been linked to conditions ranging from chronic fatigue
to mitochondrial issues, poor neurological health, anxiety and ADHD.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR EMF EXPOSURE?

Ideally when you use your laptop, put a little barrier between you and the
device so that it is not touching your lap directly. You could use a pad or a pillow
barrier or use your laptop on a desk.
Keep your cell phone away from your head. This can be initially a hard habit
to change but you can plug in your headphones or use the phone speaker so you
avoid holding it right up to your ear constantly.
Keeping your cell phone, laptop, tablet and related devices at a distance from
you when you sleep is paramount. Far too many people fall asleep with their cell
phones next to their head. If you must have your cell phone nearby, put it in
Airplane Mode and rely on your old-fashioned alarm clock to get you up in the
25
morning instead. Aim to keep all the other devices out of your bedroom.
Overall, the evidence suggests that the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic
energy (EME) emissions of mobile phone handsets are not harmful to the user.
However, it's impossible to be completely sure there isn't some risk. This is
particularly true for children where there is little research evidence.
One way to exercise caution is to reduce unnecessary exposure from your
handset and to encourage your children to do this. This can be done easily.
Remember, it doesn't have to be for every phone call and in an emergency there are
better things to worry about.

You can reduce your exposure to RF EME from your mobile phone in three
simple ways:
1.   Distance
The most effective way to reduce the exposure is to increase the distance
between your mobile phone and your head or body.
2.  Time
If there are any harmful effects, then it’s likely that the longer the exposure
to RF EME the greater any risk may be.
 3.  Power
Usually a phone in an area with good reception will transmit at much lower
levels than in an area with poor reception like a lift or deep within a large
building.

NINE (9) SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR EMF EXPOSURE

1. Get rid of your microwave
It is easy to get rid of this typical kitchen device, and use more healthy
ways not only for your food's nutrition, but for your personal and family's health.
Use a convention oven or re-heat on the stove, or eat more raw and live foods so
you don't have to worry about this ;)
2. Power down at night.
Connect your WI-FI to a switch so you can turn it off at night and when
you do not need it during the day.  This helps to lower the exposure in your
home environment and get a better night's sleep.
3. Change your cell phone to airplane mode.
If you use your phone as an alarm clock it is best to turn off the wireless
signal so it is not being emitted all night long close to your brain.  Also when
walking or carrying your phone on you, if you do not need it, just put it on
airplane mode.
4. Keep all wireless devices out of the kitchen and bedroom.
Best to keep all these devices out of where you eat and sleep as they are
the two most highly used spaces of the home and where you spend much of your
time. 
5. Do not carry your phone on your body.
6. Use a selfie-stick
7. Talk on your wireless device using speakerphone.
8. Eat these spices and take a magnesium supplement
9. Earthing

C. Engage

Activity 6: Effects and Solutions!

Directions: Give the effects of the following EM Radiations and find its possible
solutions. Write your answers on the table.

Types of EM Radiations Possible Effects Possible Solutions for

Reduce the Risks

1. Radio waves

2. Infrared

3. Ultraviolet

4. X-Ray
Gamma Ray

D. Apply
1. As a student, how can you help other student to lessen the use of mobile
gaming?
2. What is your possible solutions about it?
Check your understanding!
True or False: Write the word True if the statement is correct and False if
otherwise.

1. Humans can sense ionizing radiations.

2. If you work around radioactive materials, it’s good to have a radiation
detector.
3. Use a Respirator or face mask in working radioactive materials.
4. All radiations are the same.
Reduction any agent that can cause harm or damage to humans, property, or the
environment.
 E. KEY TO ANSWER

Prepared by:

MARIA VIRGINIA P. GEROCA

 SST III

References:
Books:
Science 10 Learner’s Material pages 150-164
Prentice Hall Exploring Physical Science, Texas Edition, Maton et.al
Pages 648-658
Science – Grade 10 Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 1: Electromagnetic Waves First Edition, 2020

Online Websites:
Non-Ionizing Radiation
https://en.m.wikipedia.org
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/234098/
https://biologydictionary.net/non-ionizing-radiation/

Ionizing Radiations
https://www.mirion.com/learning-center/radiation-safety-basics/types-of-
ionizing-radiation
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219970#risks
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-basics

Solutions to Reduced EM Radiations

https://kidskare.in/electronic-gadgets-in-children/
https://www.cityhousecountryhome.com/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-emfs-in-
your-home/
https://breannegibson.com/blog/2017/9/20/9-simple-ways-to-reduce-emf-
exposure