Radiation - it’s a word that often sparks concern. But did you know that radiation has been a natural part of our environment since the earth was formed? Today, we’re taking a closer look at natural radiation and how it compares to the radiation used in security and medical settings, and what it all means for our everyday lives.
What Is Natural Radiation?
Natural radiation, also known as background radiation, is the ionizing radiation constantly present in our environment. It’s not new — it’s been bathing the earth (and us) from the beginning of time. Every single day, we are exposed to low levels of radiation from the ground, the air, the food we eat, and even from our own bodies.
Where Does Natural Radiation Come From?
Natural radiation comes from several key sources:
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Cosmic Radiation
High-energy rays originating from the sun and distant stars bombard the earth continuously. Cosmic radiation increases with altitude, which is why frequent flyers and astronauts receive higher doses. -
Terrestrial Radiation
The soil, rocks, and water around us contain trace amounts of radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium-40. These natural materials quietly emit radiation as part of their slow decay process. -
Internal Radiation
Surprisingly, we all carry a small amount of radiation inside us. Natural isotopes like potassium-40 and carbon-14 are part of the body’s makeup and contribute to our internal radiation dose. -
Radon Gas
This naturally occurring radioactive gas seeps from the ground, especially in areas rich in uranium deposits. It can accumulate in homes and buildings and is, in fact, the largest single contributor to natural radiation exposure for most people. -
Food
Some foods naturally contain small amounts of radioactive elements. For example, bananas contain potassium-40, and Brazil nuts have relatively high levels of radium. -
Mineral hot springs
These can have higher levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials due to their contact with underground rocks.
How Much Natural Radiation Are We Exposed To?
Natural Radiation can vary based on factors like altitude and local geology.
In extreme cases, an area like Ramsar in Iran, have been recorded to have natural radiation levels up to 260 mSv (millisieverts) per year, which is significantly higher than the worldwide average of about 2.4 mSv per year.
Studies have shown that the local population living in these high background radiation areas do not appear to suffer from increased rates of cancer or other radiation-related health issues.
Is Natural Radiation Dangerous?
In everyday amounts, natural radiation is not dangerous. Humanity has evolved alongside it, and our bodies are built to repair the minimal damage that low-level radiation might cause. However, prolonged exposure to higher levels, such as elevated radon concentrations in poorly ventilated homes, can increase cancer risk over time.
Natural Radiation vs. Security Screening
When it comes to security systems like our Juka™ Screening Technology, the radiation doses are ultra-low even compared to Natural Radiation. In addition, Juka™ is the only scanner on the market that automatically measures the body size of an individual before scanning and then automatically select the lowest possible dose for that body size. Let’s look at how Juka’s typical dosages compare to natural radiation:
Our Juka™ screening system therefore typically deliver doses much lower than the daily Natural Radiation.
Natural Radiation vs. Medical Exposure
Medical imaging (like X-rays and CT scans) requires higher doses to provide critical diagnostic information. These radiation doses are carefully controlled and kept below levels known to cause harm, but it’s wise to avoid unnecessary scans.
How Can You Reduce Radiation Exposure?
While we can’t (and wouldn’t want to) eliminate natural radiation, a few smart steps can help minimize unnecessary exposure:
- Ventilate your home to prevent radon buildup, especially if you live in an area known for high radon levels.
- Be mindful of medical imaging. Only undergo X-rays or CT scans when medically necessary.
- Stay informed. Understanding the sources and levels of radiation around you is the first step toward staying safe.
At Insight Systems Security, we believe knowledge is power. By understanding radiation, both natural and human-made, we can better appreciate the balance between the benefits of technology and the importance of safety.
Have more questions about how we minimize radiation in our security solutions?
Contact us today, we’re always happy to talk science!