Why is background radiation different in parts of Britain?

Why is background radiation different in parts of Britain?

Radon is an odourless, colourless gas formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Due to the variations in terrain across the UK, this means that some areas nationwide have far higher levels of background radiation than others.

Why are some places more radioactive than others?

There are three main culprits producing naturally occurring radioactive elements: soil, stones and cosmic rays that make their way to us from space. A few cities around the globe have developed dubious reputations for being far above average in natural radiation.

Why is background radiation higher in Cornwall?

There is background radiation everywhere, but Cornwall is on average more radioactive than most other parts of the British Isles because it is built largely on granite, an igneous rock which produces radon more rapidly than most other rock types.

Where is background radiation higher?

The highest known level of background radiation affecting a substantial population is in Kerala and Madras States in India where some 140,000 people receive doses which average over 15 millisievert per year from gamma radiation in addition to a similar dose from radon.

Why does background radiation vary from place to place?

Background radiation varies from place to place and over time, depending on the amount of naturally-occurring radioactive elements in soil, water and air. Weather conditions also affect radiation levels, as snow cover may shield these elements, and radioactive particulates can wash out of the air during rain storms.

Why does background radiation vary across UK?

Levels vary widely across the UK dependant on the terrain, with some areas having a much higher level of background radiation than others. For most people, radon is the single largest source of radiation exposure whether they are at home or at work. This is where we get most of our radon exposure.

What causes background radiation?

The majority of background radiation occurs naturally from minerals and a small fraction comes from man-made elements. Naturally occurring radioactive minerals in the ground, soil, and water produce background radiation. Cosmic radiation from space also contributes to the background radiation around us.

What is the difference between natural background radiation and artificial background radiation?

Natural background radiation includes radiation produced by the Sun, lightnings, primordial radioisotopes or supernova explosions etc. Man-Made Sources of Radiation. Man-made sources include medical uses of radiation, residues from nuclear tests, industrial uses of radiation etc.

Is Devon radioactive?

Radiation: You would imagine it’s more of a concern for those living near the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disaster exclusion zones. But in truth Devon is notably radioactive and one of the worst affected parts of the UK as our soil and rock constantly seeps decaying uranium gas: Radon.

Where is radon found in the UK?

Radon can occur in any region of the UK but the most prominent areas to find high levels of radon gas are in Wales and the South West of England according to the Public Health England map.

Why do we measure background radiation?

Introduction: It is important to measure background radiation, because human beings are always exposed to environmental radiation. The level of gamma dose rate in buildings deponds on the climate / weather , ventilation of living environment , local geology , drainage patterns and other factors.

Why does background radiation vary at different times?