Radiation Dose Calculator - Are You At Risk For Radiation Exposure?

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radiation dose calculator Radiation is the emission (sending out) of energy from any source. X-rays are an example of radiation, but so is the light that comes from the sun and the heat that is constantly coming off our bodies. When talking about radiation and cancer, many people think of specific kinds of radiation such as x-rays or the radiation made by nuclear reactors. But there are different types of radiation, and many of them are not linked to cancer.

Radiation exists across a spectrum from very high-energy (high-frequency) radiation to very low-energy (low-frequency) radiation. This is sometimes referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum. From highest to lowest energy, the main forms of radiation are:

Gamma rays
X-rays
Ultraviolet (UV) rays
Visible light
Infrared rays
Microwaves
Radiofrequency (radio) waves
Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation

Radiation Dose Calculator
Source	Your Average Annual Dose (mrem)
Cosmic radiation at sea level(from outer space)	26
What is the elevation (in feet) of your town?
Terrestrial (from the ground):
What region of the US do you live in?
Internal radiation (in your body):
From food and water, (e.g., potassium)	40
From air, (radon)	200
Do you wear a plutonium powered pacemaker?
Do you have porcelain crowns or false teeth?
Travel Related Sources:
Add 1 for each 1000 miles traveled by jet this year:
Are X-ray luggage inspection machines used at your airport?
Do you use gas lantern mantles when camping?
Miscellaneous Sources:
Weapons test fallout	1
House construction: Do you live in a stone, brick, or concrete building?
Do you wear a luminous wristwatch (LCD)?
Do you watch TV?
Do you use a computer terminal?
Do you have a smoke detector in your home?
How many medical x-rays do you receive per year? (40 mrem each)
How many nuclear medical procedures do you receive per year? (14 mrem each)
Do you live within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant?
Do you live within 50 miles of a coal fired power plant?

Result
TOTAL YEARLY DOSE =

The amount of radiation exposure is usually expressed in a unit called millirem (mrem). Radiation doses of more than 5000 mrem/year are considered unsafe, regardless of source. In the United States, the average person is exposed to an effective dose equivalent of approximately 360 mrem (whole-body exposure) per year from all sources.
The dose calculator is based on the American Nuclear Society's brochure, "Personal Radiation Dose Chart". Please remember that the values used in the calculator are general averages and do not provide precise individual dose calculations.

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