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Invisible high-energy rays called ionizing radiation can damage the body's DNA and genes,
possibly enabling cancer-related mutations. There are several sources of ionizing radiation,
including cosmic rays, radon, fallout from atomic bombs or above-ground nuclear testing, and
screening or diagnostic X-rays.
We are all exposed to the ionizing radiation from the cosmic rays that enter earth's atmosphere
from outer space. This radiation may account for a very small percentage (about 1 percent) of our
total cancer risk.
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