Ionizing radiation is energy that is transported through particles or waves, such as electromagnetic radiation (X-rays, gamma rays), neutrons, etc. It occurs, for example, when unstable atoms decay to form stable atoms, and release some of their energy. Rocks, the Sun and Space all naturally emit ionizing radiation that we can detect on Earth. Artificial ionizing radiation also comes from medical examinations and treatments or in small amounts through mining. Though safe in small doses, in high doses ionizing radiation can be dangerous as the energy can knock electrons off the atoms of living bodies, ionizing and damaging them. The ionizing radiation dose is usually measured in Sieverts (Sv), which is a measure of the health effect of radiation on the body.

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