Radiation (non-thermal) -

Radiation, generally, includes non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), microwave (MW), laser, extremely low frequency (ELF), radio frequency interference (RFI); and ionizing particle radiation such as: alpha and beta particles, neutrons, x-rays, gamma rays.

Two well-known types of specified wear and tear radiation effects, RFI and ionizing radiation, are regulated by many standards, and will not be addressed here. Information about RFI (better known as EMC - electromagnetic compatibility) issues can be found in What every Product Development Manager and Executive Need to Know About EMC. For ionizing radiation (found in a wide range of occupational settings such as health care facilities, research institutions, nuclear reactors and their support facilities, nuclear weapon production facilities, and other various manufacturing settings), see http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiationionizing/ for more information. There are also industry standards and regulatory agencies that cover UV, IR, MW and ELF. However, we are concerned here with unanticipated, non-thermal radiation effects.

Examples of non-thermal Radiation caused product failures:

• 2.4Mh portable phones can interfere with some public WiFi (HotSpot) Internet services at coffee shops, city libraries, airports, etc. Both systems are authorized to operate in the same frequency range; thus they can interfere can each other.
• Remote controlled appliances (e.g., TV sets, VCRs, etc.), which can be operated by an IR (infrared) remote control, can be inadvertently activated or prohibited from operating properly by ambient sunlight from an adjacent window.
• Internally generated light (laser, visible or otherwise) that leaks through a bent or loose-fitting product housing can interfere with adjacent, light sensitive devices (e.g. medical, industrial, entertainment products).
• Microwave ovens are allowed by the FCC to leak many milliwatts of microwave power into the air around them. There can be interference with portable phones and home wireless networks that are placed too close to the oven.
• There are contentious issues with some Navy ELF submarine communication systems, which may effect the navigation abilities and health of some marine animals.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that are designed in high-end cars may apply the same RF technology/ frequencies (ISM band) that are used in Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems. Consequently, automotive vendors need to resolve interference problems between these systems, as well as external systems using the same frequency range.