Bakgrundsradiation

Bakgrundsradiation, also known as background radiation, refers to the low level of ionizing radiation that exists naturally in the environment. This radiation is present everywhere on Earth and comes from various sources. The primary sources of background radiation include cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from space that interact with Earth's atmosphere, and terrestrial sources such as radon gas, which is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium and thorium in soil and rocks. Additionally, background radiation includes radiation from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the Earth's crust, such as potassium-40, and from the human body itself, particularly from the ingestion of potassium and the presence of carbon-14. Background radiation levels vary depending on geographic location and altitude, with higher levels typically found in areas with higher concentrations of radioactive minerals or at higher elevations due to increased exposure to cosmic rays. Despite its natural occurrence, background radiation is a significant factor in radiation protection and is monitored by various regulatory agencies to ensure public safety.