Non-ionising radiation (or in American English non-ionizing radiation) refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules - that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule.

The composition of this radiation can vary depending on what may be ionised. Visible light, near ultraviolet, infrared, microwave and radio waves are all examples of non-ionising radiation, though visible and near ultraviolet can also ionise some molecules. The light from the sun that reaches the earth is largely composed of non-ionising radiation, with the notable exception of some ultraviolet rays. However, most ionising radiation is filtered out by the atmosphere.

Because it is lower energy radiation, the use of this type of radiation in medical fields and everyday life poses fewer health risks than ionizing radiation in forms such as X-rays.

See also

• Ionizing radiation

Radioactivity

Nicht ionisierende Strahlung | Radiação não ionizante | Радиобиология неионизирующих излучений