Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. You are exposed to nuclear radiation every day.
B. Most of the nuclear radiation you are exposed to occurs naturally in the environment.
C. Naturally occurring nuclear radiation is called background radiation.
D. All natural radiation is at a level low enough to be safe.
To determine which statement is NOT true, we need to evaluate each statement individually.
A. "You are exposed to nuclear radiation every day."
This statement is true. We are constantly exposed to various forms of radiation, including natural and artificial sources.
B. "Most of the nuclear radiation you are exposed to occurs naturally in the environment."
This statement is also true. Natural sources of radiation, such as radioactive elements in the soil, cosmic radiation from outer space, and radioactive gases like radon, contribute a significant portion of the radiation we are exposed to.
C. "Naturally occurring nuclear radiation is called background radiation."
This statement is true. Background radiation refers to the constant low-level radiation that exists in our environment due to natural sources.
D. "All natural radiation is at a level low enough to be safe."
This statement is NOT true. While most natural radiation exposures are relatively low and considered safe, some sources of natural radiation can be harmful at higher levels. For example, prolonged exposure to high levels of radon gas or certain radioactive minerals can increase the risk of health issues, including lung cancer.
Therefore, the statement that is NOT true is D. "All natural radiation is at a level low enough to be safe."