A discussion on natural and man-made sources of radiation.

Background



Radiation is energy in motion, and radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom. An isotope refers to atoms with the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons. Radioisotopes are isotopes that decay or disintegrate spontaneously, emitting radiation. Approximately 5,000 natural and artificial radioisotopes have been identified by scientists.

Types of Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation and Ionizing radiation are the two main categories of radiation.

Radiation (Electromagnetic) Spectrum

The radiation or electromagnetic spectrum is the range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and their wavelengths and photon energies.

Radiation Sources

Sources of radiation include: Solar Radiation

Nuclear Medicine

Radon

Other People

Terrestrial Radiation

X-Rays

Radioactive Waste

Food

Consumer Products

Nuclear Power

Terrestrial Radiation

Average Annual Dose From Background Radiation

The total average dose equivalent in the United State is 360 mrem per year.

Misconceptions about Radiation

Contrary to what the movies indicate, radiation does not give you super powers.

Effects of Radiation Exposure on the Body

If exposure is severe, effects can appear in a few hours. This is known as Acute or Nonstochastic exposure. This exposure involves significant biological damage with a large number of cells dying off. Delayed effects to radiation are known as Late or Stochastic exposure. The effects can be genetic (DNA damage) or teratogenic (birth defects).