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.
Variation[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Cosmic radiation from the sun, our galaxy, and beyond is constantly around us and contributes to natural background radiation.
Altitude and latitude[edit | edit source]
Altitude and latitude can also influence the level of background radiation at any one site.
Rocks and materials[edit | edit source]
All rocks and soils contain some trace amount of natural radioactivity and can sometimes be ingested or inhaled if disturbed.
Radon[edit | edit source]
Radon is a gas that can concentrate indoors and be inhaled, along with its decay products.
Food and water[edit | edit source]
We can also ingest radioactivity from the food we eat and the water we drink.
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