What is the average annual radiation exposure in the United Kingdom, expressed in millisieverts (mSv)?

What is the average annual radiation exposure in the United Kingdom, expressed in millisieverts (mSv)?

• A. 1.0 mSv
• B. 2.5 mSv
• C. 5.0 mSv
• D. 10 mSv

Answer: (B)

The amount people in the United Kingdom typically receive each year is dominated by natural background radiation, with an average in the range of a few millisieverts. In practice, the commonly used figure for the UK is about 2.5 mSv per year. This best matches the overall average exposure people get from natural sources, with medical exposures adding a smaller amount on top. The other options imply annual doses that are either lower than the usual background level or higher than what most people in the UK experience in a year.

The amount people in the United Kingdom typically receive each year is dominated by natural background radiation, with an average in the range of a few millisieverts. In practice, the commonly used figure for the UK is about 2.5 mSv per year. This best matches the overall average exposure people get from natural sources, with medical exposures adding a smaller amount on top. The other options imply annual doses that are either lower than the usual background level or higher than what most people in the UK experience in a year.