We’re all familiar with the type of radiation portrayed in movies; the deadly green gloop and that familiar clicking noise from a radiation detector. Of course, you’d only ever come into contact with this level of radiation if you worked in the defense, industrial, or energy sectors. For these people, businesses like Tracerco are vital; the company provides specialist radiation protection training and equipment like FCC units.
But what about the radiation we experience in our everyday lives? Have you tried checking the level of radiation in your home with a portable dosimeter? Here are three sources you might not have known about:
Television
Most TVs and computer monitors are capable of producing low-level X-rays. It’s most common in older models that contain a cathode ray tube. Before you start to worry, you should know that there are strict guidelines that all sets are required to meet before they’re sold. In America, the FDA imposes this in order to ensure no TV exceeds a safe level of X-ray emissions.
Phones
There is an ongoing debate over the dangers of wireless technology. We’ve all heard the warnings, and scientists at the National Cancer Institute say that cell phones produce radiation that could be causing us harm. It is said that phones emit a radiofrequency that can be absorbed by tissues closest to where the phone is held. The fact we hold them up to our heads is a cause for concern, however, studies thus far have not shown a consistent link between mobile phone use and certain cancers. You can read more about the topic here.
Space
We are continually bombarded with cosmic radiation as we go about our daily lives. Subatomic particles travel from the sun and far-away galaxies to Earth until they mingle with our atmosphere. However, by the time they reach us the radiation is so weak that it does no harm. According to the EPA, around eight percent of our annual radiation exposure comes from outer space.
There are organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that help to protect us. Solar events that produce higher-than-usual levels of radiation are forecasted and high-altitude airplanes are told to alter their flight plans. Read more here.