sources of ionizing radiation

What is “ionization”?

It is the gain or loss of an electron from the outer shell of an atom

Ex: when an external force, such as x-ray, kicks one one electron out of the outer shell and leaves the neutral atom with missing one electron

What is an “ion pair”?

ion pair is the combination of the ionized atom and the electron that was ejected from its outer shell

ion pair is unbalanced

Natural Radiation

3 mSv/year or 300 mrem/year

cosmic rays: sun & stars

Terrestrial radiation: uranium, thorium, radon (the largest source of the rest of radiation). All of these 3mSv/year

Internally deposited radionuclides: potassium 40. Can be found in vegetables. Anything that is planted

Artificial radiation: 3..1 mSv/year

Medical/Dental X-rays: 3 mSv/year or 300 mrem/year

Nuclear Energy Plants effect very small

Consumer items: exit signs, smoke detectors, camping lanterns, airport surveillance systems. All of that is 0.1 mSv/year

NCRP?

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement