e-Digest Statistics about: Radioactivity
Natural Sources of Radiation
Gamma
Some of the naturally occurring radionuclides in rocks, soils and building materials emit gamma rays. The Key Fact Outdoor gamma-ray dose rates in Great Britain shows the geographical variation in outdoor gamma levels across the UK [12]. The average annual dose from natural gamma radiation is estimated to be 0.35 mSv, with 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
Further Information:
- Key Facts:
- Sources
- Natural sources:
- Radon
- Gamma
- Cosmic
- Food and drink
- Artificial sources:
- Fallout
- References, further reading and links to other resources:
- [1] Hughes, J S, National Radiological Protection Board (1999). Ionising Radiation Exposure of the UK Population: 1999 Review, NRPB-R311. TSO.
- [12] Green, B M R, National Radiological Protection Board (1992). Gamma-radiation Levels Outdoors in Great Britain. NRPB-R191. TSO.
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Page last modified: 16 September 2003
Page published: 10 September 2003