What Is Irradiated Mean?

Irradiation is the process by which an object is exposed to radiation. The exposure can originate from various sources, including natural sources.

What does it mean to be irradiated?

1 : exposure to radiation (such as X-rays or alpha particles) 2 : the application of radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food) also : partial or complete sterilization by irradiation.

What happens when something is irradiated?

Being irradiated can affect the properties of the object (like killing germs in food) but doesn't make the object radioactive. Additionally, irradiated objects and radioactive objects tend to serve different purposes. Food is generally irradiated to control spoilage and eliminate food-borne pathogens and bacteria.