Question

Define the term background radiation.

Answer 1

Background Radiations

Background radiations are the radioactive radiations such as alpha, beta, and gamma to which we all are exposed even in the absence of visible radioactive sources.

Source of background radiations:

Natural Source: Natural sources, such as the earth, air, building materials, and food, provide the majority of background radiation. Cosmic rays from outer space also contain radiation.

1. Cosmic Rays- Radiations that reach us from outer space
2. Animals- All Animals emit a natural level of radiation.
3. Rocks- Some rocks give off radioactive radon gas.
4. Soil and plants- Radioactive material from the rock is absorbed by the soil and passed to plants.

Artificial Source: We can't do much about natural background radiation. Human activity, on the other hand, has increased background radiation by building and employing artificial radiation sources.

1. X-Rays- When going through security or having an X-ray in the hospital, we are exposed to this type of radiation.
2. Nuclear missile- Man has exploded bombs in the environment, producing radioactivity.
3. Nuclear Power- Radiation has been emitted into the atmosphere by nuclear power plants.

Disadvantages of Background Radiations:

1. Acute Radiation Syndrome from Large Exposures.
2. Radiation Exposure leads to Cancer Risk.
3. Radiation exposure is extremely harmful to children and fetuses.
4. When the radioactive source is outside of your body, it is referred to as external exposure. X-rays and gamma rays can travel through your body and deposit energy.