What type of radiation exposure is known to increase cancer risk?

Ionizing radiation is known to increase cancer risk due to its ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged particles called ions. This process can lead to damage in DNA and other critical cellular components, which can result in mutations. Over time, these mutations can accumulate and disrupt normal cellular functions, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

In contrast, while ultraviolet radiation is considered a risk factor for skin cancer, it is a type of ionizing radiation at certain wavelengths and is not classified in the same manner as other forms of ionizing radiation like X-rays or gamma rays, which have a more direct impact on cellular structures. Non-ionizing radiation, such as radio waves and microwaves, typically does not have enough energy to displace electrons and thus does not cause the same level of biological damage. Infrared radiation, primarily associated with heat, also falls under the non-ionizing category and does not significantly contribute to cancer risk in the same way that ionizing radiation does.