How does RF radiation differ from ionizing radiation (radioactivity)?

Ionizing radiation, like X-rays or gamma rays, packs enough energy per photon to strip electrons from atoms, causing direct chemical changes and DNA damage. RF radiation is non-ionizing because its photons lack the energy required to break molecular bonds. Instead, the primary biological effect of high-intensity RF exposure is tissue heating (thermal effects), similar to how a microwave oven works. While excessive heating can cause injury, it does not induce the radioactive mutation or cellular destruction characteristic of ionizing radiation. Distractors claiming RF radiation is 'perfectly safe' ignore these dangerous heating effects. Additionally, RF radiation travels much farther than 'a few feet', depending on power and antenna gain.