Irradiation 1388785 223579587 2008-07-04T18:36:18Z Hulkmanner 7422251 Silver dimes were expose to radiation. {{Cleanup|date=March 2008}} {{selfref|This article is about the [[physics]] of irradiation. See [[irradiation illusion]] for information about a visual illusion.}} '''Irradiation''' is the process by which an item is exposed to [[radiation]]. The exposure can be intentional, sometimes to serve a specific purpose, or it can be accidental. In common usage the term refers specifically to ionizing radiation, and to a level of radiation that will serve that specific purpose, rather than [[radiation]] exposure to normal levels of [[background radiation]] or abnormal levels of radiation due to accidental exposure. This term also applies to 'non-ionizing radiation as microwaves or to low frequency (50/60 Hz power supply), high frequency (as cellular phones, radio and TV transmissions). == Applications == ===Sterilization=== If administered at appropriate levels, all of these forms of radiation can be used to [[sterilization (microbiology)|sterilize]] objects, a technique used in the production of medical instruments and disposables, such as [[syringe]]s as well as in the disinfestation and [[Food irradiation|sterilization of food]]. Small doses of ionizing radiation ([[electron beam processing]], [[X-rays]] and [[gamma rays]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/rad_in_food/irradfoodqa/ |title=Food Standards Agency - Irradiated food |accessdate=2008-01-26 |format= |work=}}</ref> may be used to kill bacteria in food, or other organic material, including blood. Irradiation also includes (by the principle) [[microwave heating]]. ===Medicine=== It is also used in [[radiation therapy|cancer therapy]]. ===Industrial chemistry=== Irradiation can furthermore be used in [[cross-linking]] of [[plastics]] or to improve material qualities of [[semi-precious stones]]. Due to its efficiency, [[electron beam processing]] is often used in the irradiation treatment of polymer-based products to improve the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, and often adding unique properties. Cross-linked polyethylene pipe (PEX), high-temperature products such as tubing and gaskets, wire and cable jacket curing, curing of composite materials, and crosslinking of tires are a few examples. Irradiation is also employed to prevent sprouting of certain cereals, onions, potatoes and garlic.<ref>Bly, J.H.; Electron Beam Processing. Yardley, PA: International Information Associates, 1988. </ref> ===Security=== During the [[2001 anthrax attacks]], the [[US Postal Service]] [[irradiated mail]] to protect members of the US government and other possible targets. This can be of some concern to people, including artists; according to the ART in Embassies programme "incoming mail is irradiated, and the process destroys slides, transparencies and disks."[http://aiep.state.gov/submit.html] ==Silver Dimes== Furthermore, [[irradiated]] silver dimes were sold at the American Museum of Atomic Energy, Oakridge, TN. The dimes, Mercury and Roosevelt, were exposed to [[radiation]]. The person had the opportunity to buy the encased coins at the museum. Also, the coins were sold at the New York World's Fair, 1964-1965. ==References== <references/> ==See also== *[[Radiolyse]] [[Category:Radiobiology]] [[ar:تعرض للإشعاع]] [[de:Bestrahlung]] [[fr:Irradiation]] [[uk:Опромінення]] {{nuclear-stub}}