Final answer:
Background radiation is the ionizing radiation present in the environment from natural sources like cosmic radiation and radon gas. Complete avoidance is impossible, but exposure can be minimized through shielding, distancing, and time management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Background radiation refers to the ionizing radiation present in the environment from various natural and artificial sources. A key characteristic of ionizing radiation is its ability to ionize molecules or break chemical bonds, which can lead to damage in biological tissues and affect cell processes.
Two major sources of background radiation are cosmic radiation and radon gas. Cosmic radiation originates from outer space and interacts with the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a cascade of secondary particles that reach the surface. Radon gas is a product of the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium in the Earth's crust and is the leading natural source of background radiation indoors.
It is not possible to completely avoid exposure to background radiation, as it is ubiquitous in our environment. However, we can minimize our exposure by using materials that block or shield the radiation, increasing our distance from radiation sources, and reducing the time spent near these sources. Devices such as Geiger counters and dosimeters can help monitor and measure radiation levels to ensure safety.