DR.TSUBOKURA'S RADIATION LECTURE VOL.155

Author: Masaharu Tsubokura M.D., PhD.

Editor: Yudai Kaneda

309 Radiation Levels levels in Japan are Lower lower than the World world Averageaverage

December 19, 2020

We are surrounded by a variety of the natural radioactive substances , from whichthat we are exposed us to a certain amount of radiation on a daily basis.

We have introduced several examples of natural radioactive substances.

These include potassium-40, which is an essential mineral for life; radioactive radon, which is produced in the soil and can accumulate indoors and cause problems; and polonium-210 and lead-210, which are commonly found in seafood. Compared to other countries, the levels of radioactive radon in Japan are generally lower due to the better ventilation of houses, while the levels of radiation from polonium-210 and lead-210 tend to be higher due to the high consumption of seafood.

There are several routes of external and internal exposure to radiation. However, the levels of radiation vary from place to place and country to country, and the total amount of radiation we receive from nature in Japan is about 2.1 millisieverts per year, which tends to be slightly lower than the world average of 2.4 millisieverts.

On the other hand, the amount of radiation we receive from medical diagnosis diagnoses and treatments in Japan is known to be higher than it is in other countries, mainly due to the better access to technology.

310 High Radiation radiation Levels levels in Japanese Healthcare health care

December 26, 2020

We are surrounded by a variety of the natural radioactive substances, from which we are that exposed expose us to a certain amount of radiation on a daily basis.

The levels of radiation vary from place to place and country to country, and the total amount of radiation we receive from nature in Japan is about 2.1 millisieverts per year, which tends to be slightly lower than the world average of 2.4 millisieverts.

On the other hand, the amount of radiation we receive from medical diagnosis diagnoses and treatments in Japan is known to be higher than it is in other countries. The exposure to radiation from radiological examinations varies widely from person to person, but on average, it is known to be about 3.9 millisieverts per year in Japan, which is about twice of the natural levels in Japan, and more than six times of the world average. EspeciallySpecifically, radiation from CT scans, which is anare imaging tests, accounts for a large percentage.

Medical radiation is only used only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment, of course, but and various efforts are being made to prevent excess radiation exposure and to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment with the least amount of radiation as possible.