Key Facts about: Radioactivity
Natural sources: Gamma radiation
Outdoor gamma-ray dose rates in Great Britain
Great Britain
Some of the naturally occurring radionuclides in rocks, soils and building materials emit gamma rays.
The map shows the geographical variation in outdoor gamma levels across the UK.
- the average annual dose from natural gamma radiation is estimated to be 0.35 millisievert (mSv)
- individual annual doses ranging from about 0.1 mSv to 1 mSv.
- the gamma levels also contain a minor component from radionuclides on the ground, which have arrived from washout by rain etc and simple settling of fallout.
Note: Great Britain is the term describing the combination of England, Scotland, and Wales.
In Detail:
Further Information:
- Source:
- National Radiological Protection Board
- Key Facts:
- Sources,
- Natural sources:
- Radon,
- Cosmic,
- Food and drink
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Page last modified: 16 September 2003
Page published: 10 September 2003