What is the process by which radiation causes harmful effects called?

The process by which radiation causes harmful effects is known as ionization. Ionization occurs when radiation interacts with atoms and molecules, knocking out electrons and resulting in charged particles. This can damage or alter biological tissues, leading to harmful effects such as cellular mutations or cancer. Ionizing radiation includes gamma rays, X-rays, and some particles such as alpha and beta particles. Understanding ionization is crucial in radiation safety, as it highlights the potential danger that certain types of radiation can pose to living organisms and emphasizes the importance of protective measures to mitigate these risks.

While ultraviolet rays and infrared rays are types of radiation, they do not primarily cause the harmful effects associated with ionization. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin damage but primarily through different mechanisms that do not classically fit the definition of ionization, while infrared rays are mainly heat-producing and are not ionizing. The term "radiation" on its own is too broad, encompassing various types of radiation, not all of which have harmful effects through ionization. Therefore, ionization is the specific mechanism associated with the harmful effects of radiation that is critical to understanding in radiation safety practices.