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REVIEW PAPER
Electromagnetic radiation in modern medicine: Physical and biophysical properties
1
Faculty of Public Health, Stanisław Staszic College of Public Administration, Białystok, Poland
2
Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
3
Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Białystok, Poland
4
Department of Allergy, Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
5
Department of Respiratory Diagnostics and Bronchoscopy, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
Submission date: 2012-06-07
Acceptance date: 2012-07-16
Publication date: 2020-04-10
Corresponding author
Ryszard Rutkowski
Department of Respiratory Diagnostics and Bronchoscopy, Medical University, Waszyngtona 17, 15–274 Białystok, Poland. Tel.: +48 608 255 565.
Department of Respiratory Diagnostics and Bronchoscopy, Medical University, Waszyngtona 17, 15–274 Białystok, Poland. Tel.: +48 608 255 565.
Pol. Ann. Med. 2012;19(2):139-142
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The widespread application of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in modern medicine requires healthcare professionals and undergraduates to be familiar with its physical and biological properties.
Aim:
The aim of this paper was to review current literature on EMR physical principles.
Material and methods:
Available literature on EMR has been reviewed and grouped thematically.
Results and discussion:
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-, gamma- and cosmic rays. Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) are characterized by frequency, velocity, period of vibration and wavelength. Depending on the medium, EMR may decelerate, reflect, refract, diffract, interfere or polarize. These phenomena apply to EMWs (light waves), pressure and water waves. The wave-particle duality of radiation is widely accepted and explains its nature and mechanism of action. Principles of quantum mechanics help to predict the potential biological impact of EMR.
Conclusions:
From humble beginnings, more than 100 years ago, EMR has become an important component of modern medicine. Therefore, there exists an urgent need for education and better understanding with respect to its principles and applications.
The widespread application of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in modern medicine requires healthcare professionals and undergraduates to be familiar with its physical and biological properties.
Aim:
The aim of this paper was to review current literature on EMR physical principles.
Material and methods:
Available literature on EMR has been reviewed and grouped thematically.
Results and discussion:
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-, gamma- and cosmic rays. Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) are characterized by frequency, velocity, period of vibration and wavelength. Depending on the medium, EMR may decelerate, reflect, refract, diffract, interfere or polarize. These phenomena apply to EMWs (light waves), pressure and water waves. The wave-particle duality of radiation is widely accepted and explains its nature and mechanism of action. Principles of quantum mechanics help to predict the potential biological impact of EMR.
Conclusions:
From humble beginnings, more than 100 years ago, EMR has become an important component of modern medicine. Therefore, there exists an urgent need for education and better understanding with respect to its principles and applications.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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