Introduction
Primarily electromagnetic radiation implies a wave propagating itself from an electromagnetic source. As the wave propagates, it does so under the influence of matter and energy. This wave carries a significant amount of energy and matter, which it transfers to the object it may encounter during the process of propagation. It is important to note that, the energy transferred from radioactive radiation is either injurious or valuable if it possesses some effects related to health. In this regard, there has been a series of discussions and research procedures to examine the reality of electromagnetic radiation.
Both scientists and medical practitioners have taken divergent views on the effects of electromagnetic radiation. A section of medics may claim that, too much contact with electromagnetic radiation is harmful and can cause illness, but others have successfully applied electromagnetic waves to heal patients suffering from chronic cancer or wounds. The system is applicable and many patients have received treatment as a result making it a clear testimony.
One of the most recognizable forms of electromagnetic radiation is ultraviolet and visible rays from the sun. This form of electromagnetic radiation is of low frequency hence the effect might be less injurious if the degree of exposure is not very long. There are other high-frequency electromagnetic radiations that incorporate X-rays and gamma rays, which can cause ionization of cells and molecules within cell tissues and ligaments hence; damage. Some practitioners argue that, if the body gets exposed to much of these high frequency radiations, there is a likelihood of cell-ionization, leading to cancer of the cells. Besides sunshine, there are other low frequencies emitting radiations for example, waves from electronic gadgets like mobile phones and microwave ovens. These radiations do not have adverse effects due to their non-ionization nature (although this elicits controversial research setups). (Natural Standard Para. 8-15).
Medical Uses of Electromagnetic Radiation
Medical research indicates that, medics can use electromagnetic fields to treat ionizing radiations. If the body of an individual already contains infringing radiations because of irradiation, then special electromagnetic radiations ought to interact with the target to reverse the situation. Scientifically, medics call this technology electromagnetic therapy; widely applied in hospitals and research institutions. Medical techniques for example, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) can now treat diseases like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and abdominal pains. Although this is the case, in reality there is still some research going on to categorize the claim in totality.
Perhaps one of the existing applications of electromagnetic radiation in treatment is the use of a magnetic field radiator in electromagnetic therapy. This machine generates electromagnetic waves; hence, an electromagnetic field. This machine has electrodes, which during therapy connect to the affected part of the body to induce dilation, hence causing relaxation and contraction of ligaments and tissue cells. In other setups, these appliances primarily contain electrical buckles and leashes, which fastened around muscles to heal the affected areas; a factor physics attribute to their elastic nature and electromagnetic field effects of induction. The therapeutic machine through set frequencies and applied electromagnetic field performs cyclic automation under wee-divined time zone to combat the problem, whereby physical-biological examinations follow later.
Electromagnetic radiations like x-rays, protons, gamma rays and neutrons can penetrate the body to interact with body cells and treat cancer by killing cancer cells. In the modern radiation therapy, particle accelerators clinic 2100 and cobalt-60 emit enormous amounts of radiation rays and particles, which alter used for treatment purposes. High energy particles destroy cancer cells for example; X-rays and gamma rays of high voltage in these machines produce a photon radiation in a process known as teletherapy. It is important to note that, other positively charged atomic nucleus like protons can also treat cancer. Usually, a cyclotron is used in energizing these phonons through a magnetic field environment into the affected area. It is important to also note that, protons do not easily loose a lot of energy during propagation. In this regard, the dosage percentage is high as much energy enters the cells to destroy cancerous cells; thus treatment (Deere Para. 2-8).
X-rays also finds wide application in medical diagnosis of patients whereby, the energy in form of photons illuminates cells including bones. X-rays penetrate highly into the skin and even into the bones making it easier for medics to establish any fracture in the bones.
An X-ray machine consists of an X-ray tube, which acts as a receiver of electrons after electron shooting has taken place. After hitting the target, an atomic process occurs which, retards the speed of propelled electrons on the tungsten. Then, due to retardation of speed consequently, the tungsten atom goes around the nucleus and from the classical electromagnetic theory, it looses energy, which it releases in form of X-rays. X-rays a re widely applied not only in medical diagnosis, but also in the manufacturing industry, military and shopping malls in goods inspection. In addition, historians can use the rays for dating purposes. For example, electromagnetic radiations like gamma rays effectively identify some of obscene fossils through a process called dating (Natural Science Foundation Para. 3-7).
Just like X-rays, gamma rays also travel with a higher frequency; hence, their penetration velocity is high. One salient feature with gamma rays is that, they are high-energy radiations and extremely harmful should they encounter any target. They are produced in laboratories through nuclear collisions or in some occasions, artificial radioactivity happening after the interaction. In order to treat patients, the produced gamma rays must illuminate the target area using machines like cyclotron or a synchrotron in a process called Bremsstrahlung. Due to their harmful nature, gamma rays are able to kill cells making them applicable in the medical industry especially in the killing of anomalies like cancerous cells through irradiation process. What normally happens under gamma irradiation is the alteration of DNA, which sometimes can cause another side effect. Nevertheless, gamma rays are useful in medical diagnosis (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Para. 2-4).
Conclusion
In conclusion, even with the existing medical diagnosis using electromagnetic radiations, there is still research going on in the medical field to establish whether electronic gadgets like cellular phones causes some adverse effects to the users. It is confident to note that, electromagnetic radiations cause effects when their exposure is too long. On the other hand, these radiations find wide application in treatment of diseases like cancer and other medical scanning purposes. To a large extent, electromagnetic radiations are important in medicinal practices.
As technological advances continue especially in communication technology, more and more advanced technologies are in the offing based on electromagnetic radiations. The use of x-rays for scanning purposes and gamma rays for treatment of cancerous cells is a clear indication that electromagnetic radiations are beneficial in hospitals. Foe example, medics use X-ray lithography in dentistry to examine the extent of tooth damage. Thus electromagnetic radiations are as beneficial as any other treatment or vaccination to a victim suffering from cancer or other muscle or ligament diseases.
Work Cited
Deere, John. Generator of Electromagnetic Waves for Medical Use. Freepatentsonline 2009. Web.
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Keys facts about radioactivity. Defra. 2003. Web.
National Science Foundation. Medical Applications. (n.d). Web. 2010.
Natural Standard. Electromagnetic Radiation. 2010. Web.