What is a common misconception about radiation and health?

A common misconception is that all radiation is harmful without a safe level of exposure. In reality, radiation has both natural and artificial sources, and the effects of exposure can vary significantly depending on the type and amount of radiation as well as the duration of exposure.

Low levels of radiation, often referred to as "background radiation," are present in our environment and most people are exposed to them without experiencing any adverse health effects. For example, natural sources of radiation such as radon gas, cosmic rays from space, and even some foods emit low levels of radiation. The concept of a "safe level of exposure" acknowledges that not all radiation poses the same risk and that there are thresholds below which exposure is generally considered safe for humans.

Understanding that there is a distinction between harmful and harmless radiation helps promote informed decisions about radiation exposure and encourages safety practices based on sound scientific knowledge rather than fear.