User Manual

Health and Safety Information 5
electrons are stripped away from their
normal locations in atoms and
molecules. It can permanently damage
biological tissues including DNA, the
genetic material.
The energy levels associated with radio
frequency energy, including both radio
waves and microwaves, are not great
enough to cause ionization of atoms and
molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a
type of non-ionizing radiation. Other
types of non-ionizing radiation include
visible light, infrared radiation (heat), and
other forms of electromagnetic radiation
with relatively low frequencies.
While RF energy does not ionize
particles, large amounts can increase
body temperatures and cause tissue
damage. Two areas of the body, the eyes
and the testes, are particularly
vulnerable to RF heating because there
is relatively little blood flow in them to
carry away excess heat.