While we often think about indoor pollutants such as particle pollution (PM2.5), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), etc, the quality of the indoor environments (IEQ) can also have a significant impact on our health through various sources of radiation exposure within our homes and workplaces. Radiation is not commonly investigated nor monitored indoors.

Beyond the Usual Suspects:

Let’s explore some unexpected sources:

• Frequent Flyers: Cosmic radiation exposure increases with altitude. While infrequent flights pose minimal risk, frequent flyers may experience slightly elevated radiation levels.
• Ground Elements: Radioactive elements like uranium naturally occur in soil and rocks. Depending on the geology of your area, these elements can seep into basements or crawlspaces, releasing radon gas, a known human carcinogen. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium, radium, and thorium, which are naturally present in rocks, soil, and water. As radon gas seeps into buildings through cracks and gaps in foundations, it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
• Vintage Timekeepers: Those vintage watches with luminous dials might be harboring a radioactive secret. Radium or tritium, once used for illumination, can pose a health risk.
• Colorful Contaminants: Certain ceramics and glassware use glazes containing radioactive elements for vibrant colors. While generally “safe” when intact, chipping or breaking these items can release radioactive particles.
• Food: Bananas, spinach, oranges, beer, etc. all contain potassium K-40 which is a radioactive isotope that emits beta and gamma radiation. The dose of radioactivity they deliver is tiny and does not pose a health risk.
• Nuclear Power Plants: Nuclear power plants are heavily regulated and emit very low levels of radiation during normal operation. While unlikely, a serious accident at a nuclear power plant could release dangerous amounts of radiation.
• War Zones: Radiation exposure is a serious danger in a war zone if a nuclear weapon is detonated.

Type of Radiation:

Alpha (α) Particles:

• Properties: These are large, relatively slow-moving particles with two protons and two neutrons.
• Penetration: They are the least penetrating form of radiation. A sheet of paper or even dead skin cells can stop them.
• Health Effects (External): Because they can’t penetrate the skin, they pose no external threat.
• Health Effects (Internal): However, if alpha particles are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through a wound, they are very dangerous. They can damage cells significantly due to their concentrated energy deposition within a small area. This increases the risk of cancer in the surrounding tissues.

Beta (β) Particles:

• Properties: Beta particles are smaller and faster than alpha particles. They can be either electrons or positrons (anti-electrons).
• Penetration: They can penetrate deeper than alpha particles but are stopped by a layer of clothing or a few millimeters of aluminum.
• Health Effects (External): Beta particles can cause skin burns if exposure is high enough.
• Health Effects (Internal): Similar to alpha particles, internal exposure from inhaling, ingesting, or absorbing beta emitters poses a greater risk due to potential damage to internal organs.

Gamma (γ) Rays:

• Properties: Gamma rays are high-energy photons, similar to light but with much shorter wavelengths and higher energy.
• Penetration: They are the most penetrating form of radiation and can pass through the body easily.
• Health Effects (External & Internal): Gamma rays can damage cells throughout the body, both internally and externally. This damage can lead to radiation sickness at high doses and an increased risk of cancer over time.

Cosmic Radiation:

• Properties: Cosmic radiation is high-energy radiation that constantly bombards Earth from outer space. It consists of charged particles (mostly protons and heavier atomic nuclei) and electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays and X-rays) with very high energies.
• Penetration: Most cosmic radiation is blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, but some particles can penetrate and reach the surface. The amount of cosmic radiation that reaches us varies depending on factors such as altitude, geomagnetic location, and solar activity.
• Health Effects (External & Internal): The effects of cosmic radiation on human health are a concern for astronauts who spend long periods in space, but for most people, the exposure is very low and unlikely to cause any harm. The average annual dose of cosmic radiation for a person living at sea level is about 0.33 millisieverts (mSv).

Mitigating the Risks:

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor environment and minimize radiation exposure:

• Increase Ventilation: Opening windows and using exhaust fans helps remove pollutants and stale air like Radon.
• Test for alpha (α) particles: Simple radon detection kits and monitors are readily available. If levels are high, mitigation systems can be installed.
• Test for beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiation: Radiation monitoring meters can help us find objects that release radiation to the indoor environment or keep track of our radiation exposure when we fly, live near nuclear power plants, or live in high altitude.
• Store Vintage Watches Safely: Keep them in a sealed container and avoid handling damaged ones.
• Consider Alternatives: Look for modern ceramics and glassware that use safer colorants.
• Employment Safety: Increase the distance between the staff and the X-ray sources will significantly reduce radiation exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like lead aprons, thyroid collars, and leaded glasses are crucial for attenuating radiation exposure.

By understanding the potential sources of radiation exposure and taking steps to improve indoor environmental quality, we can create healthier and more comfortable living and working environments.