What represents 55% of background radiation exposure?

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is responsible for the majority of background radiation exposure, accounting for approximately 55% of the total exposure individuals receive from natural sources. Radon originates from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can accumulate in homes, especially in poorly ventilated areas like basements. This makes understanding and mitigating radon exposure critical for health and safety, as prolonged exposure can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.

In contrast, dental radiation, cosmic rays, and tanning radiation each contribute to background radiation exposure to a much lesser extent. Dental radiation is used in specific medical imaging and is regulated to minimize patient exposure, while cosmic rays come from outer space and contribute a small percentage of background radiation. Tanning radiation primarily refers to ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds, which is not a significant source of background radiation exposure compared to natural sources like radon. Therefore, recognizing radon gas as the predominant contributor to background radiation is essential in understanding radiation safety and protection practices.