What Are the Sources of Natural Background Radiation?
The primary sources of natural background radiation include:
Cosmic Radiation: This radiation originates from outer space and is primarily composed of high-energy particles from the sun and other cosmic events. The intensity of cosmic radiation increases with altitude and latitude. Terrestrial Radiation: This comes from radioactive materials in the soil, rocks, and water. Elements such as uranium, thorium, and radon contribute significantly to terrestrial radiation. Radon gas, in particular, is a noteworthy source of exposure as it can accumulate in indoor environments. Internal Radiation: Humans naturally have radioactive isotopes within their bodies, such as potassium-40 and carbon-14, which contribute to internal radiation exposure.
