Beatrice Lang
There are various ways in which radiation can interfere with electrical equipment. Electric and magnetic fields, or electromagnetic fields (EMFs), are invisible areas of energy, or radiation, produced by electricity. EMFs are categorized as high-frequency EMFs, which include x-rays and gamma rays, and low- to mid-frequency EMFs, which include static fields, radio waves, microwaves, and visible light. High-frequency EMFs can damage DNA and cells directly, while low- to mid-frequency EMFs are not known to cause such damage. Sources of EMFs include power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances. Exposure to EMFs has been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, leukemia, migraines, dizziness, and depression. In the context of electrical equipment, radiation can cause data loss in SRAM memories, induce chemical reactions in certain materials, and damage the operation of electronic systems. The impact of radiation on electrical equipment depends on various factors, including the radiation dose, the total absorbed dose, and the temperature of the devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Radiation type | Gamma radiation, electromagnetic waves, radiofrequency radiation, ELF-EMFs, EMFs, high-energy particles |
| Impact on electronics | Damage to the operation of electronic systems, data loss, bit errors, degradation of mechanical parts, damage to substrates, disruption of chemical reactions |
| Health effects | Increased risk of cancer and leukemia, migraines/headaches, dizziness, depression |
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What You'll Learn
Gamma radiation can damage electronic systems
Gamma radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation, can cause significant damage to electronic systems. This damage is similar to that caused by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). When gamma rays penetrate electronic devices, they can induce strap currents of electrons, generating a harmful electromagnetic field. This field can disrupt the operation of electronic systems, particularly in higher doses, and cause data loss.
The impact of gamma radiation on electronic systems depends on various parameters, including the radiation source, dose, and the temperature of the devices. For instance, in SRAM memories, gamma radiation can lead to data loss, expressed as 1 failure in 1,000,000,000 hours of operation (FIT). To mitigate this effect, some circuits employ SRAM memories with ECC error correction to correct the data loss induced by the radiation.
In addition to data loss, gamma radiation can also cause lattice displacement in semiconductors. This displacement changes the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice, increasing the number of recombination centers and depleting minority carriers, thereby degrading the analog properties of semiconductor junctions. Furthermore, in very sensitive devices, a single gamma-ray photon can cause a multiple-bit upset (MBU) in adjacent memory cells, leading to system errors that may require a reset or power cycle to recover.
The effects of gamma radiation on electronic systems are of particular concern in critical applications such as satellites, spacecraft, military aircraft, nuclear power stations, and nuclear weapons. To ensure the proper operation of these systems in radiation-prone environments, manufacturers employ various methods of radiation hardening, including testing for total ionizing dose (TID) and enhanced low-dose rate effects (ELDRS).
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Radiofrequency radiation is linked to increased cancer risk in some studies
Radiofrequency radiation (RF radiation) is a type of non-ionizing radiation that includes radio waves and microwaves. It is found at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum and does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms. RF radiation is commonly emitted by wireless telecommunication devices and equipment, such as cell phones, smart meters, and portable wireless devices like tablets and laptops.
While RF radiation has a lower energy level than other types of non-ionizing radiation, such as infrared and visible light, it has been the subject of several studies investigating its potential health effects, particularly its link to cancer. Some studies have suggested a possible connection between RF radiation and an increased risk of brain cancer or glioma. For instance, a case-control study among U.S. Air Force personnel found an increased risk of brain cancer among those who maintained or repaired radiofrequency or microwave-emitting equipment. Similarly, a study of U.S. Navy personnel showed an increased incidence of nonlymphocytic leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, among electronics technicians in aviation squadrons.
However, it is important to note that the evidence regarding the link between RF radiation and cancer is not conclusive. Many other studies have found no clear increase in cancer risk associated with RF radiation exposure. For example, studies of workers exposed to radar equipment, those servicing communication antennae, and radio operators did not find a heightened risk of cancer. Additionally, time-trend simulation studies showed that the increased risks observed in some case-control studies were not consistent with the actual incidence rates of brain cancer over long periods.
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RF radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," based on limited evidence suggesting a potential increase in brain tumor risk among cell phone users. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a 2020 technical report, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between RF radiation exposure and tumor formation.
As of now, the research on the health effects of RF radiation exposure remains ongoing, and the American Cancer Society does not hold an official position on whether radiofrequency radiation from cell phones, cell phone towers, or other sources causes cancer.
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High-energy particles can cause data loss
Another way high-energy particles can lead to data loss is by affecting the crystal lattice structure of materials in electronic components. For example, radiation can strike a nucleus in the crystal lattice and displace it from its proper position, causing dislocation and potentially impacting the functionality of the device. Additionally, radiation can induce strap currents of electrons, generating harmful electromagnetic fields similar to EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse). These electromagnetic fields can interfere with the operation of electronic systems and cause data loss or corruption.
Furthermore, radiation can also cause data loss by enabling "forbidden" chemical reactions in materials that are usually chemically inert. For instance, radiation exposure can ionize certain materials, altering their chemical behaviour and potentially impacting the integrity of electronic components. This can lead to unexpected changes in the material properties, such as the insulating layer of a cable turning into a grey powder and losing its insulating capability.
To mitigate the effects of high-energy particles and prevent data loss, various methods are employed. Some circuits utilize SRAM memories with ECC (Error Correction Code) to correct errors induced by high-energy radiation. Additionally, the use of low-alpha mold compounds, where alpha-particle emitting radioactive isotopes are removed, can help reduce the impact of radiation on electronic devices.
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Radiation can induce chemical reactions in previously inert materials
For example, in an experiment, a coaxial cable that was exposed to a large dose of radiation witnessed its insulating layer turn from a sturdy white plastic into a grey powder, rendering it ineffective at insulating. This phenomenon is not limited to plastics but can also occur in metals and other materials exposed to radiation.
The impact of radiation on electronic systems is particularly notable. High-energy particles can enter the silicon substrate of electronic devices, generating electron-hole pairs. These electron-hole pairs can then diffuse to nearby SRAM and flip-flop bit cells, causing bit errors and data loss. The effect of radiation on SRAM memories is severe, with 1 failure occurring in 1000000000 hours of operation.
Additionally, radiation can cause dislocation by knocking a nucleus out of its proper location in the crystal lattice, further disrupting the functioning of electronic devices.
Gamma radiation, in particular, can penetrate electronic devices and damage their operation, generating harmful electromagnetic fields similar to EMPs (Electro-Magnetic Pulses). The impact of gamma radiation depends on various factors, including the radiation source dose ray, total absorbed dose, temperature of the devices, and whether the devices are on or off during exposure.
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Ionizing radiation can directly damage DNA and cells
Ionizing radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that can release electrons from atoms and molecules, generating ions that break covalent bonds. Ionizing radiation can directly damage DNA and cells in several ways. Firstly, it can break the hydrogen bonds that connect the base pairs in a DNA molecule, changing the chemistry of a nucleotide. Secondly, it can break the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule. Thirdly, it can cause base damages and induce DNA breaks, particularly double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are rare but often lethal. DSBs can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and prevent cells from reproducing.
Ionizing radiation can also affect important molecules other than DNA, such as water molecules. It can break the bonds holding water molecules together, creating hydrogen (H+) and hydroxyls (OH-) ions, known as free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive and can easily combine with other ions inside cells. For example, hydroxyl ions can react with hydrogen atoms inside a DNA molecule to form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), causing further DNA damage.
The direct effects of ionizing radiation on DNA can lead to DNA damage or DNA mutations. DNA mutations involve changes to the sequence of base pairs, which can prevent genes from making the correct proteins. This can be very harmful to an organism. If DNA damage is not repaired, it can lead to mutations and cancer.
Ionizing radiation includes X-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles, and neutrons. It is present in the environment from natural sources such as soil, water, and air, as well as human technology like medical X-rays and CT scans. The impact of ionizing radiation on DNA and cells depends on various factors, including age, lifestyle, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and genetic predisposition.
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Frequently asked questions
Radiation can cause electrical equipment to malfunction by inducing strap currents of electrons that generate harmful electromagnetic fields. This is similar to EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse).
Gamma radiation, an electromagnetic wave, can penetrate devices and damage the operation of electronic systems. X-rays and galactic cosmic rays can also interfere with electrical equipment.
Radiation can cause data loss in SRAM memories and produce bit errors. It can also induce chemical reactions in materials, causing them to change state and lose their intended properties.
Radiation exposure in electrical equipment can have various effects, including an increased risk of cancer and leukemia, as well as potential links to Alzheimer's disease, migraines, dizziness, and depression.
