Irradiation - Definition and Overview

Irradiation is the process whereby an item is exposed to radiation. In common usage the term refers specifically to ionizing radiation, and to a level of radiation that will be destructive to life, rather than simply exposure to normal levels of radiation, or background radiation.

Some forms of radiation will not induce objects to become radioactive. One example of this is gamma rays. Gamma rays are very short wavelength electromagnetic radiation, and are extremely energetic and hostile to life. If used at the correct doses, they can be used to sterilize objects, and this technique is used in the production of medical instruments and disposables, such as syringes as well as in the disinfestation and sterilization of food.

Food irradiation is a potentially important method of food preservation that is the subject of significant controversy.

During the 2001 anthrax attacks, the US Postal Service irradiated mail, damaging it in a few cases.

Example Usage of Irradiation