Radiation is everywhere around us, and whilst that might sound... Show more
Sociology
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
1 / 5
Background Radiation and Contamination
You're constantly surrounded by background radiation - it's the low-level radiation that exists everywhere on Earth all the time. Think of it as the radiation equivalent of background noise in a busy café.
This natural radiation comes from several sources that might surprise you. The granite in buildings, the air you breathe, and even your food all contain tiny amounts of radioactive materials. Cosmic rays from space are constantly bombarding Earth, though our atmosphere acts like a protective shield, blocking most of them.
Human activities like nuclear weapons testing and nuclear waste contribute to background radiation too, but they actually make up only a small portion of what's naturally there. When scientists measure radiation levels, they always subtract the background radiation first to get accurate readings and avoid errors.
Quick Tip: Background radiation levels vary depending on where you live - areas with more granite rock tend to have slightly higher natural radiation levels.
Irradiation
Irradiation simply means being exposed to radiation - it's like standing in sunlight, but with invisible radiation instead of visible light. The key thing to remember is that you're not becoming radioactive yourself; you're just being exposed to it.
Protecting yourself from irradiation is all about distance and barriers. Scientists store radioactive sources in lead boxes because lead is brilliant at blocking radiation. They also use barriers like thick walls or work from different rooms entirely.
For handling dangerous sources, remote-controlled robotic arms keep humans at a safe distance. It's a bit like using tongs to grab something hot from the oven - the principle is exactly the same, just with much more sophisticated equipment.
Remember: With irradiation, once you move away from the radiation source, you're no longer being exposed - it's that simple.
Contamination
Contamination is completely different from irradiation and potentially more dangerous. This happens when radioactive particles actually get onto objects or into your body. Think of it like getting glitter on your hands - it sticks around and keeps sparkling (or in this case, radiating) even after you've moved away from the source.
The real danger comes when contaminating particles get inside your body through breathing, eating, or through cuts in your skin. Once inside, these radioactive atoms continue to decay and release radiation directly into your tissues.
Safety measures focus on preventing particles from sticking to you in the first place. Gloves and tongs are essential when handling any radioactive materials, and industrial workers wear full protective suits to avoid breathing in radioactive dust or particles.
Key Point: Unlike irradiation, contamination means the radioactive material comes with you - that's why prevention is so crucial.
Health Risks
Radiation damages your body by ionising DNA in your cells, which is basically like scrambling the instruction manual that tells your cells how to work properly. This process can lead to mutations that might cause cancer later in life.
If you're exposed to large amounts of radiation quickly, it can kill or severely damage so many cells that you develop radiation sickness. This causes symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
The good news is that your body is actually quite good at repairing small amounts of DNA damage from background radiation - it's been dealing with it throughout human evolution. The problems arise when exposure levels become much higher than normal.
Important: Low-level exposure (like background radiation) carries minimal risk, but it's the high-level exposures that scientists and safety regulations work hard to prevent.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Radiation
Most popular content in Physics
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Radiation: Types, Sources, and Effects
Radiation is everywhere around us, and whilst that might sound scary, understanding how it works and how to stay safe is actually quite straightforward. Let's break down the key concepts you need to know about background radiation, contamination, and the... Show more
Background Radiation and Contamination
You're constantly surrounded by background radiation - it's the low-level radiation that exists everywhere on Earth all the time. Think of it as the radiation equivalent of background noise in a busy café.
This natural radiation comes from several sources that might surprise you. The granite in buildings, the air you breathe, and even your food all contain tiny amounts of radioactive materials. Cosmic rays from space are constantly bombarding Earth, though our atmosphere acts like a protective shield, blocking most of them.
Human activities like nuclear weapons testing and nuclear waste contribute to background radiation too, but they actually make up only a small portion of what's naturally there. When scientists measure radiation levels, they always subtract the background radiation first to get accurate readings and avoid errors.
Quick Tip: Background radiation levels vary depending on where you live - areas with more granite rock tend to have slightly higher natural radiation levels.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Irradiation
Irradiation simply means being exposed to radiation - it's like standing in sunlight, but with invisible radiation instead of visible light. The key thing to remember is that you're not becoming radioactive yourself; you're just being exposed to it.
Protecting yourself from irradiation is all about distance and barriers. Scientists store radioactive sources in lead boxes because lead is brilliant at blocking radiation. They also use barriers like thick walls or work from different rooms entirely.
For handling dangerous sources, remote-controlled robotic arms keep humans at a safe distance. It's a bit like using tongs to grab something hot from the oven - the principle is exactly the same, just with much more sophisticated equipment.
Remember: With irradiation, once you move away from the radiation source, you're no longer being exposed - it's that simple.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Contamination
Contamination is completely different from irradiation and potentially more dangerous. This happens when radioactive particles actually get onto objects or into your body. Think of it like getting glitter on your hands - it sticks around and keeps sparkling (or in this case, radiating) even after you've moved away from the source.
The real danger comes when contaminating particles get inside your body through breathing, eating, or through cuts in your skin. Once inside, these radioactive atoms continue to decay and release radiation directly into your tissues.
Safety measures focus on preventing particles from sticking to you in the first place. Gloves and tongs are essential when handling any radioactive materials, and industrial workers wear full protective suits to avoid breathing in radioactive dust or particles.
Key Point: Unlike irradiation, contamination means the radioactive material comes with you - that's why prevention is so crucial.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Health Risks
Radiation damages your body by ionising DNA in your cells, which is basically like scrambling the instruction manual that tells your cells how to work properly. This process can lead to mutations that might cause cancer later in life.
If you're exposed to large amounts of radiation quickly, it can kill or severely damage so many cells that you develop radiation sickness. This causes symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
The good news is that your body is actually quite good at repairing small amounts of DNA damage from background radiation - it's been dealing with it throughout human evolution. The problems arise when exposure levels become much higher than normal.
Important: Low-level exposure (like background radiation) carries minimal risk, but it's the high-level exposures that scientists and safety regulations work hard to prevent.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar Content
Electromagnetic Waves Overview
Explore the fundamentals of electromagnetic waves, including the electromagnetic spectrum, wave properties, and applications in technology and medicine. This comprehensive guide covers key concepts such as refraction, radiation types, and the behavior of light and sound. Ideal for students preparing for exams in physics, this resource includes diagrams, calculations, and practical examples to enhance understanding.
PhysicsS3
Electromagnetic Waves and Light
Good
Physics12th
Electromagnetic Spectrum
This involves concepts in electromagnetic spectrum and its classifications.
Physics10th
Understanding Visible Light
Explore the visible light spectrum, including the properties of colors, how objects appear based on light interaction, and the function of color filters. This summary covers key concepts such as opaque, transparent, and translucent materials, and the science behind color perception. Ideal for students studying light phenomena.
Physics10
Waves topic GCSE physics
WAVES (paper 2 AQA)
PhysicsThe Electromagnetic Spectrum Practice
Physics, The Electromagnetic Spectrum with answers and corrections
PhysicsMost popular content: Radiation
Most popular content in Physics
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user