Radiation Dose Calculator
Calculate your annual radiation exposure from natural, medical, and everyday sources
Radiation Exposure Sources
1Natural Background Radiation
2Everyday Life Sources
0.49 mrem per pack (20 cigarettes)
Annual occupational exposure
3Long-Distance Travel
1 mrem per 1,600 km
0.001 mrem per screening
4Medical Sources
40 mrem each
1,000 mrem each
800 mrem each
200 mrem each
40 mrem each
Annual Radiation Dose Results
Below average US citizen exposure.
Radiation Units
mrem (millirem)
Biological effect on human tissue
mSv (millisievert)
International unit for radiation dose
1 mSv = 100 mrem
Gray (Gy)
Physical absorbed dose
1 Gy = 100 rad
Safety Guidelines
Natural exposure is unavoidable
Background radiation is part of daily life
Medical radiation has benefits
Diagnostic value often outweighs risks
Limit unnecessary exposure
Follow ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
Reference Doses
Understanding Radiation Exposure
What is Ionizing Radiation?
Ionizing radiation consists of alpha, beta, and gamma rays that have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms. This radiation comes from natural sources like cosmic rays and radioactive elements in the earth, as well as artificial sources like medical imaging and nuclear power.
Health Effects
- •Low doses: Generally no immediate effects, slight increase in cancer risk
- •Moderate doses: May cause radiation sickness at very high acute exposures
- •High doses: Can cause severe illness, organ failure, and death
Sources of Exposure
Natural (82% of total)
- • Cosmic radiation from space
- • Terrestrial radiation from soil and rocks
- • Internal radiation from food and air
Medical (15% of total)
- • X-rays and CT scans
- • Nuclear medicine procedures
- • Radiation therapy
Other (3% of total)
- • Nuclear weapons testing fallout
- • Nuclear power plant operations
- • Occupational exposure
Medical Disclaimer
Important: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment decisions.
Radiation exposure from medical procedures should always be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can assess the risks and benefits specific to your medical condition.
If you work with radiation or have concerns about radiation exposure, consult with a radiation safety officer or medical professional qualified in radiation health.