Introduction: Although the existence of radioactive materials has only been know

Question

Introduction:

      Although the existence of radioactive materials has only been know for about a century, we have been co-existing with radioactivity since the beginning.  People on earth and in space are exposed to radiation.  Generally, this radiation is of low enough intensity to be only a minor danger to us.  Some of the sources of natural radiation are from low levels of cosmic rays, and low amounts of radioactive materials in the ground or water.  Many human activities contribute to our exposure to radiation.  For example, burning coal releases radon gas into the air where we breathe it and expose our lungs to its radiation.  Living in a cave, or a basement increases our exposure to radon.  Some areas have a higher concentration of radon containing materials and, as a result of living there; we expose ourselves to a higher radiation dose.

   The development and use of radioactivity has also increased our exposure to radiation.  Nuclear power plants, particularly when they have an accident, contribute to our exposure.  However, in their defense, many nuclear plants are contributing less radiation to the environment than are coal-powered plants.  Radiation exposure has also increased as the result of modern medical procedures.  Use of X-rays is one such example.  Radiation treatment is a common treatment for cancer.

    Every time we go outdoors, we expose ourselves to radiation coming as a result of cosmic rays, originating from space.  We also are exposing ourselves to ultraviolet rays, which are not usually considered as a type of radiation, but are essentially lower energy X-rays.  Flying in an airplane increases our radiation exposure from cosmic rays, because we have gotten above some of the air that helps shield us from their effects.

    All of these radiation sources, natural and man-made, usually contribute to a small portion of a lethal dose.  In fact, the typical exposure is small compared to what would normally be associated with causing cancer.  Since radiation is with us always, and has both good and bad consequences, we have to weigh the merits of this risk and make decisions based upon a careful analysis of the facts.

Learning Objectives:

After completion of this experiment, the student will be able to:

1.  Locate public information of radiation exposure.

2.  Develop an estimate of his/her typical annual exposure to radiation.

3.  Compare his/her annual radiation dose to known danger levels.

4.  Compare the risks from radiation exposure to risks from other common dangers.  

Lab Procedures:

1.        Using either your local college library or the Kentucky Virtual Library, Radiation Info or other online sources, determine what information sources are available to search about radiation sources for your local area.

2.        Search for the regional radon exposure.

3.        Search for the exposure rate resulting from cosmic rays.

4.        Search for the exposure rate from differing manufacturing types.

5.        Search for the exposure rate from differing medical procedures.

6.        Since some of this data will be expressed in terms of a rate, i.e. exposure per hour, or day, or year, or event, make an estimate of the hours, days, and events for each type.  For example, if you find an exposure rate for flying based upon xxx rems/hour estimate the number of hours you fly per year.

7.        For each exposure type, estimate your yearly radiation dose.

8.        Add these exposures to determine your total annual dose.

9.        Compare your total exposure to the radiation risk levels.

10.    Search for your risk due to other common dangers such as automobile accidents, alcohol related risks, falling, non-radiation related cancer, etc.  Some of these risks are related to your age, or lifestyle, some are related to the type of work you do, some are not.

11.    Compare your radiation risk to these others.

Data Analysis and Questions:

  Based upon your research, prepare an analysis essay concerning your risk from radiation.

Explanation / Answer

We are constantly exposed to radiation from a number of sources, including radioactive materials in our environment, radon gas in our homes, and cosmic rays from outer space. This is called background radiation and it varies across the country. The average American is exposed to about 3 mSv (millisieverts) of radiation from natural sources over the course of a year. (A millisievert is a measure of radiation exposure.) Much of this exposure is from radon, a natural gas with levels that vary from one part of the country to another. For example, because the earth

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