The Misconception of Radiation Safety

("as im no safe level of exposure to radiation then how can we allow any level of exposure") is a misconception. It is not the case that there is no safe level of radiation exposure; rather, it is the level of exposure that matters.

Understanding Radiation Damage and Repair

During the evolutionary process, our bodies have developed mechanisms to withstand and repair small amounts of radiation. Any reasonable level of radiation damage can be repaired within 24 hours. This is why radiotherapy for prostate cancer, for instance, is administered in small, daily doses. Tissue damage is repaired before the next dose, ensuring that the prostate target receives the same radiation dose each day without fatal consequences.

The threshold for harmful radiation exposure in humans has been extensively studied through laboratory experiments and real-world observations, such as those from the Chernobyl disaster. According to Wade Allison's Radioactivity and Reason, there is a level of radiation that we can tolerate, after which radiation damage starts to occur, eventually leading to inevitable death. The graph below illustrates this: no one was damaged by a radiation dose less than 2000 milliSieverts, and one out of 55 receiving between 2000 and 4000 milliSieverts was damaged. This underscores the existence of a threshold beyond which radiation becomes dangerous.

Natural Background Radiation: A Daily Reality

Every individual is inevitably exposed to radiation. Potassium-40 in our bodies emits about 5000 gamma rays per second, and we inhale radioactive radon gas, which is produced from the decay of radioactive isotopes like uranium and thorium found in rocks and building materials. Additionally, cosmic rays bombard us from outer space, producing muons that constantly bombard us.

It is important to understand that these levels of radiation are modest. Our DNA has evolved to repair the damage caused by ionizing radiation. The human body is accustomed to dealing with very low levels of radiation, much like how it can handle the water pressure when swimming in a pool. However, it would not fare so well in a 20-foot wave of water rushing through streets after an earthquake.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, while there is no absolute safety in radiation exposure, the key is to differentiate between safe and harmful levels. Natural background radiation is an everyday reality that our bodies manage effectively. The challenge is to avoid prolonged or excessive exposure that may compromise this natural ability to repair damage.

By educating ourselves and the public, we can better understand the implications of radiation exposure and take steps to minimize unnecessary risk while acknowledging the inevitability of low-level exposure. Remember, the human body is capable of handling small amounts of radiation as long as it is within safe limits.