Monitoring Radioactivity: Unveiling the Invisible Threat

Natural and non-natural radioactivity and the monitoring techniques

Radioactivity and ionizing radiation have long been intertwined with human activities, notably in the domains of weapons development and nuclear reactors. Despite the increasing integration of radiation in energy production and industrial applications, the primary source of human exposure remains rooted in natural radioactivity — both terrestrial and cosmic.

Adding to this exposure is the influence of medical nuclear applications, including diagnostic and metabolic radiotherapy. When shifting the focus to environmental radioactivity, attention centers on radionuclides present in the biosphere, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic components.

The Natural and Anthropogenic Spectrum

In the natural category, prominent radionuclides include radon-222 (222Rn), potassium-40 (40K), beryllium-7 (7Be), uranium-238 (238U), and thorium-232 (232Th). On the other hand, the anthropogenic category introduces iodine-131 (131I) and cesium-137 (137Cs), typically released into the environment following severe nuclear incidents.