Radiation is generally not as harmful as people may think, as certain types of radiation, such as that emitted by mobile phone or Wi-Fi routers, are not strong enough to cause harm. A Geiger counter measures ionizing radiation, which is measured in sieverts, and exposure to more than two sieverts at once can lead to death. However, people are constantly exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation, such as those found in bananas. The most radioactive places on Earth include Chernobyl and Fukushima; however, smokers receive the highest doses of ionizing radiation due to the polonium and lead in tobacco. The video also promotes Audible, an audiobook website offering a one-month free trial.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A Geiger counter measures ionizing radiation, which can rip electrons off atoms and is measured in sieverts.
2. Bananas contain potassium, some of which is naturally radioactive, resulting in exposure to about 0.1 microsieverts of radiation when eating a banana.
3. Background radiation from sources like soil, rocks, air, and space is typically around 0.1 to 0.2 microsieverts per hour.
4. Locations such as the Peace Dome and the site of the world's first nuclear bomb test have low radiation levels (0.3 microsieverts per hour).
5. The discovery site of uranium has higher radiation levels (2007 microsieverts per hour), and there are still traces of radioactive uranium ore.
6. Marie Curie's lab and office contain radioactive spots, such as a doorknob and the back of her chair.
7. Altitude affects radiation levels, with higher levels at higher altitudes, especially on airplanes.
8. The Chernobyl disaster site has radiation levels up to 5 microsieverts per hour, with topsoil removal reducing the exposure.
9. The Fukushima exclusion zone has radiation levels up to 10 microsieverts per hour, and workers collect contaminated topsoil.
10. Smokers are exposed to high levels of radiation (160,000 microsieverts per year) due to radioactive polonium and lead in tobacco.
These facts provide a summary of the radiation levels in various locations and their potential sources.