What does exposure to radiation depend on, according to environmental factors?

Exposure to radiation is influenced by various environmental factors, among which the environmental background plays a significant role. Environmental background refers to the level of natural radiation present in the environment from sources like cosmic rays, radon gas, and terrestrial radiation. This baseline level can vary depending on geographical location, local geology, and altitude.

Understanding environmental background is crucial because it adds context to the measurements of radiation exposure one might encounter. For instance, areas with higher natural radioactivity, such as those with high uranium content in the soil, will present higher background radiation levels. Thus, when assessing total exposure to radiation, recognizing the existing environmental background allows for a more accurate evaluation of additional or artificial sources of radiation and helps in determining if the levels are safe or require action.