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BACKGROUND RADIATION
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Sources of Background Radiation |
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Natural background radiation is all around us. It comes from many different sources: |
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From outer space. This radiation is called cosmic rays. |
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From radioisotopes in the air, food, rocks and building materials. |
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This radiation comes from naturally occurring radioisotopes. |
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From nuclear explosions (fallout) or dumped nuclear waste. |
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Levels of Background Radiation |
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The amount of background radiation that you are exposed to depends on where you are: |
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1. |
At high altitudes your exposure to radiation from cosmic rays increases. |
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In underground mines the rocks surrounding you will expose you to more radiation. |
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A colourless, odourless, radioactive gas called Radon is emitted from certain types of rocks. Radon can get trapped in your home if your house is built on the radon emitting rock. Radon is formed when naturally occurring Uranium emits radiation. |
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The pie chart below shows how much background radiation comes from the different sources: |
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A - Radon gas |
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B - Food |
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C - Cosmic rays |
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D - Medical, e.g. X-rays |
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E ® H - The nuclear industry |
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I - Rocks and building materials |
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