RADIATION
BACKGROUND RADIATION
0.34 µSv/hr equals 2.98 mSv/yr
RADIATION SOURCES
Potassium-40 (K-40) is a naturally occurring radioactive
isotope of potassium with a half-life of approximately 1.25
billion years. It undergoes decay via beta emission and
electron capture, producing argon-40 and calcium-40. As one
of the primary sources of natural radioactivity, K-40
contributes to background radiation and is present in trace
amounts in all potassium-containing materials.
Potassium-40 is found in nature as a small fraction of
natural potassium, present in soils, rocks, and oceans. It
is also found in food sources rich in potassium, such as
bananas, potatoes, and certain nuts, making it an integral
part of the human diet and environment. Despite its
radioactivity, the levels of K-40 in natural settings are
low and pose no significant health risk.
RADIATION SOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF A WARMING PLANET
Radon-222 (Rn-222) occurs naturally - part of the uranium-238
decay chain. It is found in soil, rocks, and groundwater in
areas with high uranium or radium content. It can
accumulate in enclosed spaces like basements and buildings,
where it is a significant contributor to natural background
radiation. High levels of radon in homes and workplaces are
considered a health hazard due to its radioactive decay
products, which can attach to dust particles and be
inhaled. Monitoring and mitigation measures are often
implemented in regions with elevated radon levels to
minimize health risks.
IONIZING RADIATION
MRI vs CT RADIATION
SOLAR RADIATION
SOLAR WIND
Solar Flare
GEOMAGNETIC STORMS
GEOMAGNETIC STORMS
RADIACODE 103G GAMMA SCINTILLATOR REVIEW 
Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet (GAGG:Ce)
RADIACODE LIBRARY REVIEW
RADIACODE 103G DOSE RATE CALIBRATION MORE ABOUT DOSE
DOSE RATE CALIBRATION SUMMARY MORE ABOUT DOSE
DIURNAL RADIATION PATTERNS FROM RADON
GAMMA RADIATION FROM LIGHTNING
AMERICIUM-241 (USED IN MOST SMOKE DETECTORS)
Americium-241 is an alpha particle emitter, often used
in smoke detectors. The alpha particles do not escape their
containers. Note, however, that any nucleus undergoing
radioactive decay also emits weak gamma and x-ray photons
and is often detectable with gamma ray scintillators.
So should we be concerned about this radiation source? Not
really. The weak gamma and x-ray emissions fall off as the
square of the distance so they are literally undetectable
several feet away. At just one centimeter from the source
the Radiacode 103G measured a dose rate of 0.44 µSv/h which
is slightly higher than the US average background level of
0.34 µSv/hr. No concern.
sam.wormley@icloud.com
