X-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of ionizing radiation are used to diagnose and treat some medical conditions. Some people, such as people who work in mines, are exposed to higher radon levels at work.įor more on radon and its possible health effects, see Radon and Cancer. Radon levels can vary a great deal, depending on where you live. Radon levels are usually higher inside buildings and homes, especially in levels closer to the ground such as basements. This is an odorless, colorless gas that is formed from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the ground. The largest source of natural background radiation for most people is radon. For people who smoke, tobacco can account for a significant portion of the yearly radiation they receive.
Tiny amounts of radiation may even be found in drinking water and in some plant-based foods as a result of being in contact with the soil. Some of these may end up in building materials used in houses and other structures. People are also exposed to small amounts of radiation from radioactive elements that occur naturally in rocks and soil. Airline pilots and flight attendants, who spend many hours at high elevations, are exposed to more of these rays, but it is not clear if they have an increased risk of cancer because of it.
People are also exposed to higher levels of cosmic rays during airplane flights. For example, people who live in Denver, Colorado, which is at a high elevation, are exposed to slightly more cosmic rays than people living at sea level. The earth’s atmosphere blocks a portion of these rays, but some of them reach the ground.īecause the atmosphere blocks some cosmic rays, exposure is greater at higher altitudes. They come from the sun and from other stars. Cosmic raysĬosmic rays are radioactive particles that hit the earth from outer space. For most people, background radiation is most of their exposure to ionizing radiation during the year. In the United States this averages about 3 millisieverts (mSv) per year. We are all exposed to some amount of radiation just from being on this planet. Radiation is also used in small amounts in some consumer products, as well as in food irradiation.
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