Irradiation

Irradiation is the process by which an item is wilfully exposed to radiationto serve a specific purpose. In common usage the term refers specifically to ionizing radiation, and to a level of radiation that will serve that specific purpose, rather than radiationexposure to normal levels of background radiationor abnormal leves of radiation due to accidental exposure.

Most forms of radiationdo not induce a state of radioactivityin the target. Examples of this include gamma rays, electron beamsor X-raysif employed at or below the energy levels permited by national and international regulatory agencies for industrial applications. Gamma rays and X-raysare very-short-wavelength electromagnetic radiationconsisting of photonsthat penetrate through solid matter until they scatter electronsfrom moleculesby means of the compton effector at lower levels the photoelectric effect. These electrons then induce the desired effects in the material, by destroying pathogenDNAor improving material characteristics. Electron beamirradiation employs electrons, but has a much lower power of penetration.

If administered at appropriate levels, all of these forms of radiation can be used to sterilizeobjects, a technique used in the production of medical instruments and disposables, such as syringesas well as in the disinfestation and sterilization of food. Irradiation can further more be used in cross-polymerizationof plasticsor to improve material qualities of semi-precious stones. Irradiation is also employed to prevent sprouting of certain cereals, onions, potatoes and garlic. During the 2001 anthrax attacks, the US Postal Serviceirradiated mailto protect members of the US government and other possible targets.

See also

• Radiolyse
• Food irradiation

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irradiation Wikipedia article Irradiation.