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31 May 2005 - Ionising Radiation Exposure
Review 2005
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The seventh report on the Ionising Radiation Exposure to the
population of the UK has been published by the Radiation Protection Division
(formerly NRPB) at Chilton.
The main findings of the report are as follows:
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Average annual dose of ionising radiation exposure is now 2.7
millisieverts (mSv) compared to the previous figure, published in 1999, of 2.6
mSv, which is mainly due to exposures from new medical diagnostic techniques.
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84% of radiation exposure is natural radiation, of which more
than 50% exposure is caused by radon accumulation within buildings.
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Because of varying types of buildings, the dosage of variations
are different throughout the country.
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Some people therefore will be living in high radon areas and
will be exposed to a much higher dose than the national average.
Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the Health Protection Agency (HPA)
said:
“We welcome this report. It is a thorough investigation into
the radiation doses we all receive from ionising radiation. For most of us,
about 99% of our dose comes from natural and medical sources. People need to
know these facts.”
Dr. Roger Cox, Director of the HPA Centre for Radiation,
Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) at Chilton, said:
“Examining sources of radiation exposure is an important part
of our work. We have assessed the doses people receive from all sources of
ionising radiation. There is a slight increase compared to earlier reports, but
this is not significant. What is more important are the large variations in
exposures in different parts of the country, due almost entirely to radon
exposures. We welcome the measures being taken to reduce exposures in high radon
areas.”
Ionising Radiation produces ionisation in matter, with
sufficient energy to damage DNA, may contribute to the development of cancer and
can be passed on to offspring.
Non-Ionising Radiation found in such areas as ultraviolet,
infrared and radiofrequency radiation and light does not produce Ionisation in
matter.
The full report is available from the Health Protection Agency
which can be accessed by clicking the following:
Health Protection Agency
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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