Background radiation

Question 1

What is background radiation and why does it happen?

Answer 1

We are always exposed to ionising radiation. This is called background radiation. This radiation comes from different sources. Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced when uranium in rocks decays. Radon decays by emitting an alpha particle. The radon can build up in houses and other buildings. The amount of radon gas varies from place to place, because it depends on the type of rock in the area.

Question 2

What are the main sources of background radiation?

Answer 2

Radon gas - 50%
Ground and buildings - 14%
Medical - 14%
Food and drink - 11.5%
Cosmic rays - 10%
Nuclear power - 0.3%
Other - 0.2%