Säteilylähteenä

Säteilylähteenä refers to a source of radiation. This term can encompass a wide variety of objects or phenomena that emit electromagnetic radiation or particulate radiation. The nature of the source determines the type and energy of the radiation emitted.

Sources of radiation can be broadly categorized as natural or artificial. Natural sources include cosmic rays originating from space, and terrestrial radiation from radioactive isotopes found in the Earth's crust, such as uranium and thorium. Radioactive decay is a primary mechanism for generating this natural radiation. The sun is a significant natural source of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation.

Artificial sources are man-made. These can range from medical imaging equipment like X-ray machines and CT scanners, which produce ionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes, to nuclear reactors used for power generation, which also produce high levels of radiation. Other artificial sources include radioisotopes used in industry for various applications, and even everyday items like older cathode ray tube televisions or some fluorescent lamps that emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation. Lasers and microwave ovens are also examples of devices that produce specific types of radiation. The use and handling of artificial radiation sources are subject to strict regulations due to potential health risks.