What does "background radiation" refer to?

Background radiation refers to the naturally occurring radiation present in the environment, which includes cosmic rays from outer space, terrestrial radiation from radioactive materials in the earth, and internal radiation from radioactive isotopes within the human body. This type of radiation is always present and forms the baseline level of radiation exposure that individuals receive daily, regardless of any additional exposure from human-made sources or specific activities. Understanding background radiation is crucial for distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic sources of radiation when assessing potential health risks or monitoring radiation levels in various environments.