Radiation Exposure in Australia
Radiation is a form of energy that can be harmful to human health. It can come from natural sources, such as the sun, or from man-made sources, such as nuclear power plants and medical imaging devices.
The amount of radiation exposure that is considered safe varies depending on the type of radiation and the length of exposure. However, even low levels of radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer.
The average annual radiation exposure in Australia is about 1.5 millisieverts (mSv). This is about the same amount of radiation exposure that you would receive from living in a brick house for a year.
The highest levels of radiation exposure in Australia are found in areas where uranium mining and processing takes place. These areas can have radiation levels that are hundreds or even thousands of times higher than the average annual exposure.
Radiation exposure can also occur from medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans. The amount of radiation exposure from these procedures is usually very low, but it can be higher if you have multiple procedures over a short period of time.
If you are concerned about radiation exposure, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Limit your exposure to natural sources of radiation: This means avoiding spending too much time in the sun and eating foods that are high in radioactive elements, such as bananas.
- Avoid exposure to man-made sources of radiation: This means avoiding living or working in areas where there is a lot of radiation, such as near nuclear power plants or uranium mines.
- Be aware of the risks of medical imaging procedures: If you need to have a medical imaging procedure, talk to your doctor about the risks of radiation exposure and how to minimize them.
By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your risk of radiation exposure and protect your health.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA): ARPANSA is the government agency responsible for protecting Australia from the harmful effects of radiation. Their website has a wealth of information on radiation exposure, including a calculator that you can use to estimate your annual radiation exposure.
- Cancer Council Australia: The Cancer Council Australia is a non-profit organization that provides information and support to people affected by cancer. Their website has a section on radiation exposure and cancer, including information on the risks of radiation exposure from different sources.
- World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is an international organization that sets standards for radiation protection. Their website has a section on radiation exposure, including information on the health effects of radiation exposure and how to protect yourself from radiation.