Hidden sources of radiation: are you in danger?

When many people think of radiation exposure, they think of mushroom clouds following a nuclear explosion. The truth is, though, we're all exposed to radiation each and every day through the environment — the Earth itself emits radiation — and through choices we make, such as using cellphones.

The consequences of overexposure can be deadly. Radiation is a known cause of cancer, and the National Institutes of Health believes that it's the source of up to 10 percent of invasive cancers, NewsMax Health reports.

Many Americans are getting more radiation exposure than is healthy from just three sources, says neurosurgeon and natural health expert Dr. Russell Blaylock. "The three major sources are the Japanese nuclear reactor leak, nuclear power plants, and radon emission from Earth.

• Japanese nuclear leak. Although residents in most of the country won't be directly affected by the radiation leaks at the Fukushima power plant, Dr. Blaylock says that some experts suggest residents of the West Coast will experience higher rates of leukemia and thyroid cancer.

There are also worries about the power plant leak affecting our food supply. Radiation is contaminating the ocean around the site and being absorbed by fish, which can migrate long distances. Japan's Fisheries Research Agency recently announced that fish caught about 20 miles south of the leaking Fukushima power plant had levels of radioactive cesium 124 times the upper limits considered safe for human consumption.

Most experts agree the amounts of radiation won't be extremely high once they reach the United States, but not everyone agrees.

• Living near nuclear facilities. Some studies suggest you're at risk of getting too much radiation exposure if you live within a mile of a nuclear plant, says Dr. Blaylock. Although studies indicate that living near plants is safe unless a leak occurs, many studies show otherwise. A British study found that children who lived near nuclear power stations had 11 times the risk of developing myeloid leukemia, a rare form of the disease that's strongly associated with radiation. The risk of all cancers in children was 350 percent above the national average. "Most studies that found no risk were financed by the nuclear industry," says Dr. Blaylock.

• Radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in rock and soil. It is found at different levels throughout the United States, but is found in every state. Radon enters homes and other buildings through cracks in floors and walls, and also seeps into ground water. According to the EPA, about 1 in 15 homes in America has elevated radon levels. Only smoking causes more cases of lung cancer than radon exposure.

Other sources of radiation can cause cancer, including medical tests and cellphones. "Radiation from medical tests is a big problem, especially CT scans and mammograms," says Dr. Blaylock.  "People have far too many plain X-rays as well — doctors take it too lightly. The damage is cumulative." A study from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements found that the average dose of radiation from medical imaging increased sixfold from 1990 to 2006, mainly from the increased use of 3D scans.

 "Cell phones are a definite danger, and growing evidence shows a strong link to brain tumors." says Dr. Blaylock. "Cell phone towers and wi-fi in homes are also big problem, and with plans to have wi-fi cover entire towns, everyone will be exposed."

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