Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation

Background radiation comprises ubiquitous low-level ionizing radiation from natural sources like radon and cosmic rays, and man-made sources including medical procedures. The hazards of radioactive emissions arise from ionization capability, leading to tissue damage and DNA mutation; the distinction between contamination and irradiation is critical for establishing safety protocols. Applications exploit specific penetrating powers and half-lives: alpha sources in smoke detectors, beta in thickness gauging, and gamma in medical tracers and radiotherapy. Assessment requires evaluating the trade-off between the utility of these applications and the associated health risks.