FREE RADICALS are highly reactive chemicals that have the potential to harm cells. They are 

created when an atom or a molecule (a chemical that has two or more atoms) either gains or loses 

an electron (a small negatively charged particle found in atoms). Free radicals are formed 

naturally in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes

At high concentrations, however, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all 

major components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. The damage to cells 

caused by free radicals, especially the damage to DNA, may play a role in the development of 

cancer and other health conditions

Abnormally high concentrations of free radicals in the body can be caused by exposure to 

ionizing radiation and other environmental toxins. When ionizing radiation hits an atom or a 

molecule in a cell, an electron may be lost, leading to the formation of a free radical. The 

production of abnormally high levels of free radicals is the mechanism by which ionizing 

radiation kills cells. Moreover, some environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke, some metals, 

and high-oxygen atmospheres, may contain large amounts of free radicals or stimulate the body’s 

cells to produce more free radicals.

Free radicals that contain the element oxygen are the most common type of free radicals 

produced in living tissue. Another name for them is “reactive oxygen species,” or “ROS”