Report a Safety Concern
Search

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC Radiation Protection Radiation All Around Us

Sources of Radiation

Since the beginning of time, all living creatures have been, and are still being, exposed to radiation. Nonetheless, most people are not aware of all the natural and man-made sources of radiation in our environment.

A chart of the public's exposure to ionizing radiation (displayed below) shows that people generally receive a total annual dose of about 620 millirem. Of this total, natural sources of radiation account for about 50 percent, while man-made sources account for the remaining 50 percent.

Pie Chart Showing Sources of Radiation Exposure in the United States

For additional information, see the following topics:

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, March 20, 2020