How much radiation does an average person receive naturally in a year?

The average person receives approximately 2.7 mSv of natural background radiation in a year. This radiation comes from various natural sources, including cosmic rays from outer space, terrestrial radiation from the Earth’s soil and rocks, and radon gas released from the ground. These natural sources contribute to the overall exposure people have to radiation in their daily lives.

Understanding the context of this radiation exposure is important, as it can help dental nurses and health professionals appreciate the levels of radiation that patients may be exposed to during dental radiographic procedures. This knowledge underscores the importance of minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure while ensuring the benefits of diagnostic imaging are fully realized.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the average annual dose from natural sources. These figures may pertain to specific circumstances, certain populations, or ranges, but 2.7 mSv is the most widely accepted estimate for the general population.