Guidance

Ionising radiation: how we are exposed to it

Information on sources of natural and man-made ionising radiation, damaging effects and protection from exposure.

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Ionising radiation is the energy produced from natural and man-made radioactive materials. It is present in the environment because of naturally occurring radioactive minerals remaining from the very early formation of the planet. This leads to exposure to gamma rays and radioactive radon gas from certain rocks and from radioactive material in our food and drink.

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Published 4 September 2008

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