Final answer:
Radiation, UV light, and x-rays are forms of electromagnetic radiation that can cause health issues like cancer due to their potential to damage DNA and living tissue. UV light, a component of sunlight, is a notable cause of skin cancer, while radon gas is linked to lung cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiation, UV light, x-rays, and chemicals in the environment that can damage living tissue and DNA are often referred to in the context of their potential to cause cancer and other health issues. These are all forms of electromagnetic radiation with differing wavelengths. UV radiation is part of sunlight and is particularly noted for causing skin cancer due to its ability to break down important biomolecules, such as DNA, leading to cell death and mutations. Radon is another example of ionizing radiation from a natural radioactive gas that is linked to lung cancer from exposure.
The electromagnetic spectrum includes a range of radiation types, among which are radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. The higher the energy and the shorter the wavelength of these forms of radiation, the more potential they have to cause harm, such as cell and DNA damage. This is why protecting methods like sunscreen and clothing are recommended against UV light, and why medical diagnostics using x-rays are performed with great care to minimize exposure.