Description

Add as a preferred source on Google

Background radiation is the radiation emitted by natural sources such as rocks or mountains. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) discovered that certain areas in Kerala are exposed to nearly three times more background radiation than previously thought. The study is significant because it sheds light on natural radiation levels in India, which has important implications for the country's nuclear energy plans.

Monazite sands And High Levels Of Thorium

The presence of monazite sands rich in thorium, a naturally radioactive element, is thought to be responsible for the higher radiation levels in Kollam, a district in Kerala. Thorium is a common radioactive element found in trace quantities in soil, rocks, and water. Monazite sands are one of the most important sources of thorium, and India has long used them as a source of nuclear fuel. Radiation levels from uranium deposits are higher in southern India, which is home to granite and basaltic volcanic rock.

Study Findings

BARC scientists measured radiation levels in nearly 100,000 locations across India for the study. According to the study, the average natural background level of gamma radiation in India is 94 nGy/hr. However, in the Kollam district, the levels were discovered to be 9,562 nGy/hr, which is approximately three times higher than the assumed levels. The previous survey in 1986 had only mapped 214 locations.

There Is No Increased Risk To One's Health

Although the higher radiation levels in the Kollam district may appear to be concerning, the study's authors note that there is no increased health risk associated with these higher radiation levels. The human body is accustomed to higher doses of radiation, and there is no evidence that the higher levels of radiation in the Kollam district are causing any adverse health effects.

IAEA safety regulations

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishes maximum radiation exposure levels, which India's nuclear energy establishment has also adopted. The IAEA recommends that public exposure to radiation should not exceed 1 millisievert per year, and that those who work in nuclear plants or are otherwise exposed to radiation should not be exposed to more than 30 millisieverts per year.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section