Annual average global human exposure to radiation

Radiation is a fact of life. The background radiation (cosmic radiation from space, radiation emitted from the natural radioactive elements present in soil/rocks, like uranium and thorium) contributes significantly to the total population dose. Totally, they contribute about 79 % of the annual average global human exposure to radiation. Out of remaining 21%, 20% is contributed from medical exposures from X-rays and scans and only 1% from all other man-made radiation sources, including nuclear power.

In India, major part (over 98%) of the average annual human exposure is from natural sources, about 1.93% from medical exposures and only about 0.37% from man-made sources. The large difference in medical exposures in the global average and Indian values, is due to enhanced medical care provided in developed countries as compared to India. More scans – more dose.

This information should be made available to the public so that risk from man-made sources is seen in proper perspective. Any activity or industry, which give more benefit than risk are easily accepted by the public. Transparency is the key to public acceptance.