Final answer:
Radiation exposure comes from both natural sources, such as cosmic rays and radon gas, as well as human-made sources like medical X-rays and Cobalt-60 used in radiation therapy. The level of radiation exposure is measured in millisieverts and varies based on various factors. While exposure to radiation is unavoidable, we can reduce risks through shielding, limited exposure, and safe distances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common sources of radiation that people are exposed to include a variety of natural and human-made elements. Understanding these sources helps us acknowledge the constant presence of radiation in our environment and the need for prudent safety measures.
Natural radiation comes from both external and internal sources. Cosmic rays, which penetrate the Earth's atmosphere from outer space, and terrestrial elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium in the soil and building materials are examples of external sources. Internal sources come from within our bodies, with isotopes such as potassium-40 and carbon-14 occurring naturally.
Another significant contributor to natural radiation is radon gas, a radioactive element that comes from the decay of uranium in the soil and can accumulate in buildings, causing potential health risks if not properly ventilated. The exposure we receive from these sources varies depending on geographic location, lifestyle, and even dietary choices. For instance, fertilizers used in agriculture can contain radioactive isotopes that are then ingested through the food we eat.
Human intervention has created new sources of radiation. Medical sources such as X-rays and Cobalt-60, which is used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment, are prominent human-made sources. Consumer products, nuclear energy production, and even certain industrial processes like Electro Beam technology contribute small amounts to our annual radiation doses.
To quantify the exposure to radiation, the unit millisieverts (mSv) is used. The average annual radiation dose per person in scenarios like medical imaging and background radiation from natural sources accumulates. While it is impossible to avoid all radiation exposure, we mitigate the risks by shielding ourselves, minimizing exposure time, and maintaining a safe distance from radiation sources.