Global Distribution of Natural Gamma Radiation Dose
摘要
Understanding the distribution of natural gamma radiation is essential for assessing its global impact on human health and the environment. Natural background radiation primarily comprises cosmic and terrestrial sources. While the global average annual background radiation dose is around 2.4 mSv, regional variations are significant for example, some areas such as Kerala in India exhibit notably very high natural radiation levels, while others fall well below the global mean. These variations make natural radiation a critical factor in evaluating baseline exposure levels and informing radiological protection standards. Radiation exposure, depending on its dose, can lead to various health effects. Although low-dose exposure typically does not cause immediate symptoms, it can slightly increase the risk over a lifetime. High-dose exposure, on the other hand, may lead to acute health effects. This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of the global distribution of natural gamma radiation. It includes comparative data across various countries, visual illustrations of regional patterns with special focus on spatial variability, and recent trends based on real-time monitoring systems.