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: There are several sources of '''background radiation''' including food, rocks in the ground, [[Radon]] [[gas]] and [[Cosmic Ray|cosmic rays]].
: The level of '''background radiation''' a person is exposed to depends on their diet, job and where they spend their time.
====Sources of Background Radiation====
'''Medical Uses''': Modern medicine uses a number of techniques which rely on radioactive isotopes or other sources of ionising radiation. There is a limited number of X-rays, CAT scans and PET scans you are allowed to have in a year in order to stop you receiving a dangerous dose.
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====Background Radiation and Jobs====
: Pilots are exposed to a higher than [[Mean Average|average]] level of '''background radiation''' because at high altitude people are exposed to more [[Cosmic Ray|cosmic rays]].
: Miners are exposed to a higher than [[Mean Average|average]] level of '''background radiation''' because many rocks are sources of [[Ionising Radiation|ionising radiation]].
: Hospital workers are exposed to a higher than [[Mean Average|average]] level of '''background radiation''' because sources of [[Ionising Radiation|ionising radiation]] are used in medical imaging.