Radiation
Radiation occurs from two sources.
Natural radiation exists due to materials present in the earth and
particles arriving from outer space. Artificial radiation is caused
by man made processes. There is no difference in the effects
of the radiation regarding it's source. An average person in
the UK will receive approximately 10% of their annual dose of
radiation from the suns cosmic rays, whilst another 50% is due to
Radon (Rn) a gas generated from naturally occurring uranium present
in the earth. Artificial radiation sources included medical
treatments (approximately 15%) and fall out from nuclear tests and
accidents (approximately 1%). A person will be continually
exposed to a low level of radiation throughout their life, this is
perfectly normal and does not cause any health effects.
Exposure to large amounts of radiation however can cause sterility,
cataracts or even death. Lower amounts of exposure over a
long period of time can cause cancer or hereditary defects in
descendants. Radon exposure is thought to cause about 2,500
deaths per year in the UK.
A numberof premises use small amountsof
radioactive materials. Examples include americium 241 used in smoke
detectors and Polonium 210 used in dust detection and anti-static
devices.All these premises are registered with the Environment
Agency under the RadioactiveSubstances Act 1993. The Environment
Agency isobliged to send a copy of the certificate for each
premises to the relevant local authority. Please use this link
below for
Environment Agency details.
See also:
Environmental Health –
Radon and Radiation
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