Is everyone subject to natural background radiation?

Everyone is indeed subject to natural background radiation. This type of radiation comes primarily from the environment and consists of cosmic rays from outer space and terrestrial radiation from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the soil and atmosphere.

Natural background radiation is an integral part of the Earth’s ecosystem and has been present throughout the history of our planet. Every individual, regardless of their location, is exposed to some level of this radiation daily. It varies by geographic location due to factors like altitude and the geological composition of the area, but it is universally present.

This exposure contributes to the natural radiation dose that all humans receive in their lifetime, typically measured in millisieverts (mSv) per year. While other sources of radiation, such as medical procedures or man-made sources, can add to an individual's overall exposure, natural background radiation is an omnipresent factor that affects everyone.