Editing Carcinogen (section)

=== Non-ionizing radiation ===
Not all types of electromagnetic radiation are carcinogenic. Low-energy waves on the [[electromagnetic spectrum]] including [[radio wave]]s, [[microwave]]s, [[infrared radiation]] and [[visible light]] are thought not to be, because they have insufficient energy to break chemical bonds. Evidence for carcinogenic effects of non-ionizing radiation is generally [[Electromagnetic radiation and health|inconclusive]], though there are some documented cases of radar technicians with prolonged high exposure experiencing significantly higher cancer incidence.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Richter E, Berman T, Ben-Michael E, Laster R, Westin JB | title = Cancer in radar technicians exposed to radiofrequency/microwave radiation: sentinel episodes | journal = International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health | volume = 6 | issue = 3 | pages = 187–193 | year = 2000 | pmid = 10926722 | doi = 10.1179/oeh.2000.6.3.187 | s2cid = 25147479 }}</ref>

Higher-energy radiation, including [[ultraviolet radiation]] (present in [[sunlight]]) generally ''is'' carcinogenic, if received in sufficient doses.   For most people, ultraviolet radiations from sunlight is the most common cause of skin cancer.  In Australia, where people with pale skin are often exposed to strong sunlight, [[melanoma]] is the most common cancer diagnosed in people aged 15–44 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Skincancerfactsandfigures.htm|title=Skin Cancer Facts and Figures|access-date=2010-07-02|archive-date=2012-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810071104/http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Skincancerfactsandfigures.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13922-skintone-gene-could-predict-cancer-risk.html| title = Skin-tone gene could predict cancer risk}}</ref>

Substances or [[Food irradiation|foods]] irradiated with electrons or electromagnetic radiation (such as microwave, X-ray or gamma) are not carcinogenic.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |author1-link=Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |title=Food Irradiation: What You Need to Know |url=https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-irradiation-what-you-need-know |website=FDA |access-date=20 January 2021 |language=en |date=20 April 2020}}</ref> In contrast, non-electromagnetic [[neutron radiation]] produced inside nuclear reactors can produce secondary radiation through [[nuclear transmutation]].