About Radiation

Most readings are taken 2-3 feet above the ground, averaged from 5 minute-long readings. Ground readings are usually slightly higher. One location doesn't necessarily equate to another because radiation is very random. Use this site to just give you a basic idea of whether radiation levels have gone up or down.

Examples:

• 0.25 μSv -U.S. limit on effective dose from a single airport security screening
• 0.1 μSv/h avg (1 mSv/y) ICRP recommended maximum for external irradiation of the human body, excluding medical and occupational exposures.
• Japan Radiation Maps (CrowdSourced)
• normal outside background-radiation levels in western Oregon are between 0.11μSv/h - 0.15μSv/h. _{(This is mostly from Solar/Cosmic rays, natural ground minerals, Chernobyl, Hiroshima & Nagasaki, and human nuclear testing)}

There are many types of radiation, and some types are more harmful than others. For instance bananas contain a form of radioactive potassium, and eating one will give you around 0.078μSv of radiation, however the body is capable of eliminating this fairly quickly.

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3 types of ionizing radiation to be concerned about are: alpha, beta, gama.

High-frequency (short wavelength) gamma rays are the strongest and lightest rays. Gamma rays are more penetrating than alpha and beta particles. They can be shielded by dense materials such as lead, and large masses of concrete, hardened steel, or water. X-rays are man-made gamma rays.

High-energy beta particles are electrons; heavier than gamma rays, and can take either a positive or negative charge. Beta particles can be shielded by aluminum or wood.

Alpha particles are positively charged and heavier than beta particles, and have a limited range of approximately 3 to 5 centimeters by air. Alpha particles can be shielded by objects such as paper and unopened skin.

Radiation is usually measured in terms of time. Some people note it in year-exposure-doses, others including myself note it in hour-doses. Hour-doses give a better idea of daily changes and exposures.

You can protect yourself to some extent by washing all foods to remove any potential radiation particles. They do much more harm when ingested. Some foods and supplements will help eliminate radiation from the body. Any Amount of radiation is bad and burdens the body with the healing process.

Learn more about radiation on the Links page