Risks of Medical Radiation By Mehmet Kocak, MD, Rush University Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Apr 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Topic Resources Typical Radiation Doses * Ionizing radiation (see also Radiation Exposure and Contamination) includes High-energy electromagnetic waves (x-rays, gamma rays) Particles (alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons) Ionizing radiation is emitted by radioactive elements and by equipment such as x-ray and radiation therapy machines.