The Most Radioactive Places on Earth

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Exploring the Most Radioactive Places on Earth

1. Understanding Radiation Levels:

   • Radiation can be measured in units called sieverts.
   • Common sources of ionizing radiation include bananas (due to their potassium content) and natural background radiation from soil, rocks, air, and space.

2. Visiting the Peace Dome:

   • Located in Hiroshima, Japan, the Peace Dome is a site where an atomic bomb was detonated.
   • Despite its history, the current radiation level at the dome is only 0.3 microsieverts per hour.

3. Exploring a Uranium Mine:

   • Visit a uranium mine where Marie Curie obtained raw material for her research.
   • The radiation level in the mine may be ten times higher than natural background radiation due to the presence of uranium ore.

4. Trinity Bomb Test Site in New Mexico:

   • Explore the Trinity bomb test site where a nuclear bomb was detonated.
   • The area has a radiation level of about 0.8 microsieverts per hour, with Trinitite (green glass formed from the sand) being slightly more radioactive.

5. Radiation Levels in Airplanes:

   • Radiation levels increase at higher altitudes in airplanes due to reduced atmospheric shielding.
   • Levels can range from 0.5 microsieverts per hour at 18,000 feet to over 3 microsieverts per hour at higher altitudes.

6. Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor Site:

   • Visit the site of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown in Ukraine.
   • The area still shows contamination, but current radiation levels are not extremely high due to soil removal efforts.

7. Impact of Radiation Exposure:

   • Compare radiation doses from various sources, such as CT scans, nuclear disasters (e.g., Fukushima), and occupations like astronauts or radiation workers.
   • Surprisingly, smokers receive the highest doses of ionizing radiation, even more than those in high-risk occupations.

8. Recommendation for Further Reading:

   • The video creator suggests checking out a book about post-apocalyptic scenarios where plants take over.
   • You can download the book for free on audible.com/veritasium or choose from their wide selection of audiobooks for a one-month free trial.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into some of the most radioactive places on Earth and understand the varying levels of radiation exposure from different sources.