ORION
Observing Radiation In Our North
Background Radiation
Radiation is everywhere, it is inescapable. Because radiation is everywhere, we have to be able to distinguish between normal radiation occurrences versus abnormal occurrences.
Background radiation is the normal dose of radiation an individual is subject to in any given area. Background radiation is not necessarily naturally occurring radiation. Background radiation sources are usually due to elevation, rock formations, close proximity to nuclear facilities.
Non-background radiation is anything above the "normal radiation" in a given area. This also does not have to be just man made.
- For example, a person who smokes is exposed to a form of radiation. Due to smoking, that persons exposure is higher than the typical exposure in that area.
View Background Radiation of Other Countries
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Last Revised: May
17, 2003