Radiation comes from naturally occurring radioactive elements, left over from the formation of the Earth, and from cosmic radiation.
Every day we are exposed to radiation
(252.6 KB) from rocks and soil, cosmic radiation from outer space, the air we breathe, the water we drink and wash in, and the food we eat. There are radioactive elements in our muscles and bones. This natural radiation, known as background radiation, is a part of our everyday lives.
Some activities increase our exposure to radiation. These include living and working in buildings made from bricks, mortar, concrete and tiles, all of which contain radioactive materials. Even timber is radioactive, due to the presence of Potassium-40. Air travel and mountain climbing increase our exposure to cosmic radiation. Visiting caves increases our exposure to radon, a radioactive gas that becomes trapped in caves. Even foods like coffee beans contain small amounts of radioactivity.
Radioactive materials have a variety of important uses in medicine, industry, agriculture, and sterilisation, as well as in our homes. As with many things, too much radiation can be harmful, so appropriate precautions must be taken when utilising radioactive materials.
The use and production of radioactive materials generate radioactive waste which must be managed safely and appropriately. Australia generates low level and intermediate level radioactive waste.