Radiation is a form of energy emitted as waves or particles, and it can be categorized into ionizing and non-ionizing types, each with distinct impacts on human health and the environment. Radiation exposure may occur through internal or external pathways and under different circumstances, e.g., at home or in public places (public exposures), at workplaces (occupational exposures), or in medical settings (medical exposures). In public places, exposure can be widely ruled out by individual behaviour or choice, while employees are less free in their decisions. Work has to be carried out and thus, exposure is unavoidable but must be minimized. Hence, special attention must be paid to the occupational environment.

Radiation exposure, both natural and man-made, is a daily reality for workers in numerous professions and trades. While ionizing radiation (such as X-rays and gamma rays) is strictly regulated, non-ionizing radiation (such as solar ultraviolet (UV) light and electromagnetic fields (EMFs)) lacks stringent regulations, despite posing substantial health risks, including skin cancer. The emphasis on ionizing radiation typically overshadows the need for attention to non-ionizing radiation in occupational settings.

Exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to severe conditions like acute radiation syndrome and cumulative genetic damage, increasing the risk of cancer and genetic mutations, as well as cardiovascular disease. Non-ionizing radiation primarily causes skin and eye damage and thermal injuries, as well as potential chronic impacts, like skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma). The health effects of exposure to EMFs are yet to be fully understood.

Occupational settings often expose workers to non-ionizing radiation, such as UV light and low-frequency EMFs, which require focused preventative measures.

Frontiers in Public Health is launching a new Research Topic, which seeks to amplify the visibility of radiation protection issues and explore comprehensive solutions to minimize radiation exposure risks.

This Frontiers in Public Health new Research Topic targets the specific dimensions of radiation protection, focusing on enhancing research, preventive measures, and regulatory frameworks to safeguard workers. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• Developing advanced methods for monitoring and curbing UV radiation exposure in outdoor workforces.
• Implementing public health strategies and educational campaigns to enhance radiation safety awareness.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of current regulations and protective practices against non-ionizing radiation.
• Innovating personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers dealing with radiation exposure.
• Formulating risk assessments and mitigation plans for occupational exposure to EMFs and UV radiation.
• Driving international cooperation in policy-making for standardized radiation protection measures.

Contributions to this Research Topic will be instrumental in advancing discussions on radiation protection, mainly in occupational settings, ensuring that safety protocols evolve alongside new research and technological insights.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Non-Ionizing Radiation: Impacts on Human Health from Exposures in Occupational Settings