This work is authorized by a license granted to the University by the State of California, Department of Health Services. This information booklet is intended to provide basic information for University staff who do not work directly with radioactive materials, but who may need to enter areas where radioactive materials or radiation producing machines are used. Radiation has become a household work. Radiation very low in energy is called non-ionizing radiation and includes heat, radio and television signals, light and microwaves. This information booklet will use the term radiation to refer only to ionizing radiation.
Radiation comes from the sun, atomsphere, soil and water.
Potassium-40, a naturally occurring radioisotope, becomes part of the body from the food we eat. The fact that we have received and will continue to receive radiation from natural sources does not mean that radiation exposure cannot be minimized. Research tells us that any exposure to radiation has its risks. Currently, radiation protection professionals are debating radiation risks and limits of exposure. Exposure to high levels of radiation is associated with an increased risk of cancer in later life.