Radiation
What Is Radiation?
Radiation is energy that travels through material or space in the form of waves or streams of particles. It is present everywhere in our environment. There are two kinds of radiation:
- Ionizing radiation includes the radiation that comes from both natural and manufactured radioactive materials such as cosmic rays, nuclear power plants and x-ray machines.
- Non-ionizing radiation is lower-energy radiation such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, radio waves and microwaves.
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Tanning Beds
The Province announced on March 20, 2012 that it will ban commercial tanning bed use by young people under the age of 18 to reduce the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. The World Health Organization has found that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning equipment is a proven carcinogen, and the risk of melanoma increases by 75% when tanning bed use starts before 35 years of age.
For details on tanning beds and the ban on youth under 18 years, see:
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no colour, odour or taste. Found in some areas of B.C., radon is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater. Outdoors, radon is not a concern because it is present in low concentrations. However, radon in buildings and other enclosed spaces tends to accumulate to high levels, and can cause lung cancer.
Radon is the main cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked tobacco. It increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. The risk of developing lung cancer depends on how much radon is in the air, as well as the duration of exposure. Short-term exposure to radon does not pose a significant risk.
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Cell Phones
Smart Meters
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