Table 5: Variations in Terrestrial and Cosmic Radiation and their Risks

Annual Dose (1) (mSv/yr)
Annual Risk (2) deaths per million people
Lifetime Risk (3) deaths per million people
Terrestrial Radiation
US Average
0.28
23
1600
Atlantic Coast Average
0.23
19
1300
Colorado Plateau
0.90
71
5000
Rest of Colorado
0.46
37
2600
Cosmic Radiation
US Average
0.27
21
1500
Denver
(5200 ft.)
0.50
40
2800
  1. US Average of cosmic and terrestrial radiation is from Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation, BEIR V, National Research Council, Washington DC, 1990. p.18. Regional averages from "What is your annual radiation dose?" worksheet.
  2. Annual risk is lifetime risk divided by a 70 year lifespan.
  3. Lifetime risk is calculated from an average of 560 deaths per 100,000 people with a continuous lifetime (70 year) exposure to 1 mSv/year. Table 4-2 in Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation, BEIR V, National Research Council, Washington DC, 1990. p.172.

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