There are real risks with environmental radioactivity, even at low levels, so it would be a good idea to learn all you can about low level radiation to protect yourself from its dangerous effects. 1. While the type of radiation that can cause damage, also known as ionizing radiation, is similar to visible light, there's one important difference. 2. Radiation cannot be detected without the use of special devices that measure radiation. In the early 20th century, prior to the realization that radiation was a danger, radiation was considered new and powerful.