Niko Villamor

Radiation comes from a lot of sources. You probably know that radiation is used to take x-rays but do you know any of the other sources of radiation exposure? Here is a list of 10 sources that you didn’t know about that you will never think about the same way again.

Color TVs

Are there any black and white TVs out there anymore? Probably not but you should know that color TVs are a source of radiation. The small amount produced isn’t harmful unless you are exposed to a lot of it. How much TV do you watch?

Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke contains radionuclides. This means that it is another source of radiation exposure. This is another case where the amounts of radiation are small but if you inhale tobacco smoke on a regular basis the amount adds up quickly.

Packaged Foods

Packaged foods are yet another source of radiation. To kill some of the bacteria in packaged foods these foods are exposed to radiation and that radiation lingers even as these foods make it to you. The levels of radiation are even higher in packaged foods for the military because it is imperative that their meals are bacteria free.

Smoke Detectors

Many common smoke detectors use what is called an ionization chamber. This is one more instance of small amounts of radiation exposure in a place where you would never expect to find it.

The Sun And Stars

The sun and stars put off small amounts of ionizing radiation. When you go outside you are exposed to this radiation and if you spend copious amounts of time outside then you are exposed to it more.

Radon Gas

Where can you find radon gas? Everywhere. It is the product of heavy metals disintegrating over time. This is a totally natural process that results in radon gas being found in the air you breathe.

Terrestrial Radiation

This fancy name just means that radiation comes from the earth itself. Natural sources of radiation exist in the ground and in water supplies. Good luck avoiding radiation that comes from the earth on which you live.

Cosmic Radiation

Radiation also just comes from space. The earth’s atmosphere serves as a buffer to this type of radiation but it can only do so much. Also, if you have less distance between you and space, like when you are in a plane, then you are going to get a bigger dose of this type of radiation.

Cell Phones

People go back and forth on this one but the truth remains the same. Cell phones produce radiation. The more time you spend with your phone the more radiation exposure you get from it. Whether texting or talking, some part of you is enjoying all the radiation that your particular type of cell phone has to offer.

Your Own Body

You didn’t see this one coming, did you? Your own body is actually a source of minimal amounts of radiation. These naturally occurring radionuclides are often forgotten but are one more source of radiation.

T.R. Rheinecker writes about searching for high quality online radiology tech schools.