What is the term for the radiation dose received from natural and man-made sources in daily life?

The term "Background Radiation" refers to the radiation dose that individuals receive from both natural sources, such as cosmic rays and radon gas, as well as man-made sources like medical imaging and industrial activities, during their daily lives. This radiation is typically constant and varies based on geographic location, altitude, and personal lifestyle factors.

Understanding background radiation is essential, as it represents the baseline level of exposure that occurs around us. Individuals are continuously exposed to this type of radiation, and it is a critical factor in assessing overall radiation safety. By differentiating background radiation from other types of exposure, such as occupational radiation—which is specifically from work-related tasks, or environmental radiation—focused on the broader category of all radiation present in the environment, one can gain a clearer perspective on how much additional radiation one might receive as a result of specific activities or jobs. This distinction helps in educating the public and professionals in minimizing unnecessary exposure while ensuring that knowledge of natural versus artificial sources of radiation is clearly understood.