Background level

An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment, or typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment.

Van Allen radiation belt

Variation

Background radiation varies from place to place and over time, depending on the amount of naturally-occurring radioactive elements in soil, water and air.

Weather

Weather conditions also affect radiation levels, as snow cover may shield these elements, and radioactive particulates can wash out of the air during rain storms.

Cosmic radiation

Cosmic radiation from the sun, our galaxy, and beyond is constantly around us and contributes to natural background radiation.

Background radiation level

Altitude and latitude

Altitude and latitude can also influence the level of background radiation at any one site.

Rocks and materials

All rocks and soils contain some trace amount of natural radioactivity and can sometimes be ingested or inhaled if disturbed.

Radon

Radon is a gas that can concentrate indoors and be inhaled, along with its decay products.

Food and water

We can also ingest radioactivity from the food we eat and the water we drink.

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