Key Facts about: Radioactivity
Natural sources: Cosmic radiation
United Kingdom
Radiation emitted by high energy protons from the sun or other cosmic bodies contributes to natural radiation exposure.
- the average exposure to cosmic radiation of members of the United Kingdom population is estimated to be around 0.32 millisieverts (mSv)
Partial shielding is provided by buildings and people spend much of their time indoors, exposure, however, is increased during air travel and both of these factors have been taken account in estimating average exposure
- people flying about 100 hours annually would receive a further cosmic radiation dose of about 0.4 mSv annually
- frequent fliers who travel for more than 1,200 hours per year, could receive doses of up to 5 mSv per year
In Detail:
Natural Sources of radiation: Cosmic sources of radiation
Further Information:
- Key Facts:
- Sources,
- Natural sources:
- Radon,
- Gamma,
- Food and drink
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Page last modified: 16 September 2003
Page published: 10 September 2003