Sources
Ionizing radiation is generated through nuclear reactions, nuclear decay, by very high temperature, or via acceleration of charged particles in electromagnetic fields. Natural sources include the sun, lightning and supernova explosions. Artificial sources include nuclear reactors, particle accelerators, and x-ray tubes.
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) itemized types of human exposures.
| Public exposure | ||
| Natural Sources | Normal occurances | Cosmic radiation |
| Terrestrial radiation | ||
| Enhanced sources | Metal mining and smelting | |
| Phosphate industry | ||
| Coal mining and power production from coal | ||
| Oil and gas drilling | ||
| Rare earth and titanium dioxide industries | ||
| Zirconium and ceramics industries | ||
| Application of radium and thorium | ||
| Other exposure situations | ||
| Man-made sources | Peaceful purposes | Nuclear power production |
| Transport of nuclear and radioactive material | ||
| Application other than nuclear power | ||
| Military purposes | Nuclear tests | |
| Residues in the environment. Nuclear fallout | ||
| Historical situations | ||
| Exposure from accidents | ||
| Occupational radiation exposure | ||
| Natural Sources | Cosmic ray exposures of aircrew and space crew | |
| Exposures in extractive and processing industries | ||
| Gas and oil extraction industries | ||
| Radon exposure in workplaces other than mines | ||
| Man-made sources | Peaceful purposes | Nuclear power industries |
| Medical uses of radiation | ||
| Industrial uses of radiation | ||
| Miscellaneous uses | ||
| Military purposes | Other exposed workers | |
Read more about this topic: Ionizing Radiation
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