Re: Background radiationlevel in USA

[Bob&Liz Logan <golfer@intertex.net>]

As with all things that are geographical in nature, the
natural background varies in the USA. There are areas
in the USA where the levels are as low as 100 mrem/year
and areas as high as 500 mrem/year. This most significant
contributor to the overall natural background radiation
levels is radon. In the northeastern portions of the US,
tadon may contribute up to 400 mrem/year. Whereas on
the gulf coast and other sothern regions, it may be as low
as 50 mrem/year.

I hope that this helps a small amount, however, I do
recommend that you obtain a copy of the publications
that others have listed.

Bob Logan
Radiation Protection Manager

At 03:22 PM 9/6/96 -0500, you wrote:
>Dear  Radsafers:
>
>I would liek to know what is the 'official' US background radiation level
>and the reference for it.
>
>How does this value compare with other countries? is it a publication on this.
>
>Thanks
>
>Kwan
>Kwan Hoong Ng, PhD, MIPSM
>Department of Medical Physics
>University of Wisconsin
>1300 University Avenue
>Madison, WI 53706
>
>Office  608 263 4355
>Home 608 231 9050
>Fax:     608 262 2413
>
>