A primary concern is at what energy level across this entire spectrum do we begin to experience negative effects that cause damage to our bodies?  More specifically, at what energy point do we see cell damage occurring in the tissues that make up our body?  While this question continues to be vigorously debated today as in the case of cell phones, one clearer distinction is the energy level required that cause changes to the electrical charges within atoms.

Atoms as we know all have a delicate balance of protons, neutrons and electrons.   Any radiation energy with sufficient power to knock off electrons results in an imbalanced charged atom known as an ion.  Scientists have measured the radiation with enough power to knock off electrons at about 10 electron volts and higher and have classified them as ionizing radiation.  Any radiations with insufficient power to knock off electrons are classified as non-ionizing radiation.

The ionizing region begins in the midst of the ultraviolet range of energies and then proceeds through the increasingly higher x-ray and gamma regions.  That is why we see cautionary measures being exercised anytime we’re exposed to these type of ionizing radiations.  Studies have shown that Ion Atoms with missing electrons results in an electrical imbalance that cause chemistry changes to occur to the molecules and also our DNA that make up our tissues and can lead to harmful outcomes. 

Damage to cells vary by energy and the amount of exposure they receive.  Ultra-violet energy is relatively low and does not have much penetration capability so damage is limited.  X-rays and Gamma-rays on the other hand are both very powerful as they are more energetic and have deep penetrating power. 

When exposed to low or intermittent levels of ionizing radiation our bodies are able to handle it and repair themselves.  But when the exposures are too severe, our bodies cannot keep up with the rate of damage and we begin to experience radiation sickness, burns, and death in the most extreme cases.