Which statement is true regarding background radiation?

Background radiation is a natural form of radiation that exists in the environment and originates from a variety of sources, including cosmic rays, the earth's crust, and even certain elements found in our bodies. It is a continuous, ambient exposure to ionizing radiation that cannot be completely eliminated because it is inherent to our planet and atmosphere.

The primary reasons for this permanence are that background radiation comes from both cosmic sources (like the sun and outer space) and terrestrial sources (such as radioactive isotopes in soil and rocks). Additionally, a certain amount of background radiation is due to human-made sources, such as medical imaging and nuclear energy production, which further complicates any attempt to eliminate it completely.

Understanding that background radiation is an unavoidable aspect of our environment is crucial for environmental health specialists and sanitarians, as this knowledge informs risk assessments and the examination of public health implications.