background radiation Flashcards
background radiation
the low-level radiation that’s around us all the time
where does background radiation come from?
-radioactivity of naturally occurring unstable isotopes
-radiation from space (cosmic rays)
-radiation due to human activity
where are unstable isotopes found?
-air
-food
-building materials
-rocks
where do cosmic rays come from?
the sun
how are we protected from cosmic rays?
the earth’s atmosphere
give an example of radiation due to human activity
fallout from nuclear explosions
nuclear waste
what does the radiation dose tell you?
the risk of harm to body tissues due to exposure to radiation
what is radiation does measured in?
sieverts (Sv)
what affects radiation dose?
-where you live
-your job
-x-rays
irradiation
exposing an object to nuclear radiation
is an irradiated object radioactive?
no
ways to reduce irradiation
-keeping sources in lead-lined boxes
-standing behind barriers or being in a different room
-keep source at arms length
-wear lead-lined clothes if working with sources
