Background radiation is the radioactivity that occurs
naturally in our environment. The level of background radiation in mid-Atlantic
region is about 100 millirem per year.
Millirem is a unit used to measure radiation dosage.
It is 1/1000 of a rem. A rem is also a unit used to measure radiation dosage.
A rem also relates to the potential effect of radiation on human cells.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the federal agency
responsible for the regulation and inspection of nuclear power stations to assure
safety.
Radiation is energy given off in the form of waves
or particles. The term "radiation" is broad and includes ordinary
sunlight and radio waves, but more often it is used to mean "ionizing"
radiation. Ionizing radiation can produce charged particles in materials that
it strikes, including living matter. The most common types of ionizing radiation
are alpha, beta and gamma.
Alpha radiation is the least penetrating type. It can
be stopped with a sheet of paper.
Beta radiation is emitted from the nucleus of an atom
during fission. Beta radiation consists of electrons that can be stopped by
thin cardboard.
Gamma radiation is electro-magnetic waves emitted from
the nucleus of an atom and is essentially the same as X-rays. It can be stopped
by heavy shielding such as concrete or lead.
Additional Information
To receive information on radiation protection, nuclear power
or emergency preparedness, please call Dominion Generation at (800) 814-8262
or write to:
Dominion Generation
Innsbrook Technical Center
Nuclear Emergency Preparedness
5000 Dominion Boulevard
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
or
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Emergency Management
Preparedness and Mitigation Division
10501 Trade Court
Richmond, Virginia 23236-3713
