Radiation damage refers to the harmful effects that ionizing radiation can have on living tissues and materials. This type of radiation can come from sources like X-rays, nuclear materials, or cosmic rays. When radiation interacts with cells, it can cause changes to DNA, leading to mutations, cell death, or cancer. The severity of radiation damage depends on factors such as the type of radiation, the dose received, and the duration of exposure. Protective measures, like shielding and limiting exposure time, are essential in environments where radiation is present, such as in medical imaging or nuclear power plants.