The three main sources of radiation are:
Natural Background Radiation: This type of radiation originates from natural sources present in the environment. It includes radiation from radioactive materials found in the Earth's crust, such as uranium, thorium, and radon gas. Natural background radiation also includes radiation from cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles originating from space and interact with the Earth's atmosphere.
Medical Radiation: Medical procedures and imaging techniques that use radiation can be another significant source. This includes X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear medicine procedures (such as PET scans), and radiation therapy for cancer treatment. While these medical procedures are important for diagnosis and treatment, they involve controlled exposure to radiation under medical supervision.
Human-Made or Artificial Radiation: This category includes radiation generated by human activities, primarily through nuclear technologies. It includes nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons testing, industrial radiography, nuclear medicine practices (such as radioactive tracers), and certain industrial processes that produce radioactive materials or byproducts.
It's important to note that radiation exists in various forms and can have different levels of energy and potential for harm. However, many everyday activities and objects, such as using electronic devices, living at higher altitudes, or even eating bananas (due to their naturally occurring potassium-40 isotope), involve exposure to low levels of radiation that are considered safe. Regulatory bodies and organizations establish guidelines and safety standards to ensure radiation exposure remains within acceptable limits to protect public health and safety.