Ionising Radiation and Non-ionising Radiation (5)

Background radiation (1)

Is made up of various types of ionising radiation in the environment

Background radiation (2)

Background radiation is released from various sources including natural sources and man-made sources

Sources of background radiation (1)

Cosmic rays

Sources of background radiation (2)

Radioactive radiation from natural radioactive substances in the surroundings

Sources of background radiation (3)

Radioactive wastes from nuclear accidents and nuclear tests

Sources of background radiation (4)

Radioisotopes from medical use

Effects of ionising radiation that is absorbed into the human body

Will damage body cells

Quantity to measure the biological effects of ionizing radiation on the human body

Is measured in a quantity known as dose

A dose of 1 Sv

Is equivalent to 1 joule of ionising radiation energy that is absorbed by 1 kilogram of living tissue

The unit of background radiation dose that is commonly use

Is microSievert/hour (μSv/h).