Burns by Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of burns and biological effects caused by both ionizing and nonionizing radiation in humans. Ionizing radiation—including x-rays, gamma rays, and high-energy ultraviolet rays—can cause DNA damage, mutations, cancer, erythema, and tissue burns, with effects depending on radiation type, dose, and exposure conditions; notable cases include nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and medical exposures during radiotherapy and fluoroscopy. Nonionizing radiation, encompassing low-energy ultraviolet, visible light (e.g., lasers), infrared, microwave, radiofrequency, and electromagnetic fields, primarily induces thermal effects like erythema and burns, with ongoing research into potential long-term biological impacts. The article emphasizes the importance of radiation protection measures and dose limits to prevent acute and chronic injuries, highlighting that ionizing radiation effects are generally dose-dependent and can be deterministic or stochastic, while nonionizing radiation effects are less well understood but can cause burns and eye injuries.