Lesson 11f - Understanding the Basics of Radiation

Comparisons of Natural to Man-Made Radiation

The different rates of radiation exposure are somewhat easier to understand when common sources are compared. The following chart lists the exposure rates of a variety of ordinary substances or practices that are frequently not recognized by the general public as sources of radiation.

Some Exposures from Manmade Sources Compared to the Average Natural Radiation Exposure
(Radiation Exposure in mrem per year)
Coal Fired Power Plant - 0.15 Phosphate Fertilizers - 4
Gas Lantern Mantle - 0.2 Building Materials - 7
Nuclear Power Plant - 0.4 Total Radioactive Material Transported - 20
Low-Level Nuclear Waste Storage - 1 Medical Diagnosis Treatment - 60
Natural Gas Use - 2 Natural Radiation Exposure - 300
Construction Activities - 4 Smoking - 1300

Source: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement, NCRP Report #93
Previous Page Next Page       IEMP Workbook Home