What is one of the main sources of man-made radiation exposure?

One of the main sources of man-made radiation exposure is radioactive fallout. This refers to the residual radioactive material that is propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear explosion or accident and eventually falls back to the Earth. This can include fallout from nuclear tests, accidents at nuclear power plants, or the detonation of nuclear weapons, which release a variety of radioactive substances into the environment.

Unlike sources such as solar radiation, natural background radiation, or cosmic rays, which are primarily natural phenomena, radioactive fallout is specifically a result of human activities involving nuclear processes. Understanding the implications of man-made sources of radiation—including the potential health risks associated with exposure—is a critical component of radiation safety training in dental and medical fields.