What type of radiation can potentially cause sterility or cancer?

Ionising radiation is capable of causing sterility or cancer due to its high energy levels, which allow it to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. This process can damage the DNA within cells, resulting in mutation or disruption of normal cellular functions. The potential for ionising radiation to cause cellular damage is why it is a significant concern in fields such as medicine, environmental science, and nuclear energy.

In contrast, non-ionising radiation, infrared radiation, and visible light radiation do not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules. Although they can cause heating effects or other alterations at higher intensities, they do not have the same level of risk for causing genetic mutations or cancer. This distinction is crucial in understanding the design of safety standards and protective measures in environments where ionising radiation is present.