RF radiation exposure primarily causes which type of injury?

• A. Corneal burn
• B. Electrical shock
• C. RF burns
• D. Skin burn

Answer: (C)

RF energy is non-ionizing but can heat tissues, so the main injury from RF exposure is a thermal burn. When RF energy is absorbed by the body, it converts to heat. If the exposure is strong or lasts long enough, tissue temperatures rise and cellular damage occurs, producing burns that are specifically due to the heating effect—RF burns. This distinguishes it from other types of burns that come from chemical or UV sources, and from electrical shock, which involves current passing through the body. In practice, staying out of high‑power RF fields, using shielding and distance, and following exposure limits helps prevent these RF heating injuries.