By Dr Nurul Latiffah Abd Rani and Fairus Muhamad Darus

When you switch on your phone, go for a medical X-ray or sit under the morning sun, you are surrounded by radiation. The word may sound frightening, often linked with nuclear disasters or atomic bombs.

In truth, radiation has always been part of life on Earth. It is everywhere, natural, constant and mostly harmless. What truly matters is how well we understand and manage it.

What is radiation?

Radiation is simply energy that moves through space, either in waves or tiny particles.

Scientists classify it into two main types: ionising and non-ionising radiation. Ionising radiation carries enough energy to change the structure of atoms or molecules in our body, which is why too much exposure can be risky. Non-ionising radiation is much weaker and, in everyday use, is harmless.

Most of the radiation we encounter each day is very low-level and completely natural. The key is not to fear it but to recognise where it comes from and how to live safely with it.

Natural sources around us

The Earth itself is naturally radioactive. The soil, rocks and water contain small amounts of materials like uranium, thorium, and potassium-40.

One of the main contributors to natural background radiation is radon gas. This gas has no colour or smell and seeps from the ground into the air.

In homes that are not well ventilated, it can build up over time. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase health risks, particularly for the lungs.

We also receive radiation from space in the form of cosmic rays, high-energy particles from the sun and outer space that constantly reach our planet.

Even our bodies contain trace amounts of radioactive elements, such as potassium-40, which gives off a tiny level of internal radiation.

On average, each person in the world receives about 2.4 millisieverts of natural background radiation every year, though this varies depending on altitude, location and lifestyle.

Man-made sources in daily life

Modern living adds a few more sources of radiation, but most are well controlled and beneficial.

In healthcare, X-rays, CT scans and other medical imaging tools use small amounts of ionising radiation to help diagnose and treat illnesses. When used wisely, these are essential and safe medical tools.

Some household items, like smoke detectors and luminous watches, also contain very small amounts of radioactive material. Their radiation levels are so low that they pose no risk to users.

Even natural building materials, such as granite or concrete, can emit tiny amounts of radiation, but these are far below any level of concern.

Why We Should Be Aware

Radiation is not automatically dangerous. What matters is how much exposure we get and how often. Being aware helps us make better decisions in everyday life.

At home, it helps to improve ventilation to reduce radon levels.

In healthcare, it is wise to keep track of the number of scans you have received and discuss with your doctor if another one is truly needed.

For those who fly often or work as aircrew, exposure to cosmic radiation at higher altitudes is slightly higher than normal, but it still remains at safe levels.

Understanding these simple facts allows us to live confidently instead of fearfully.

The Malaysian context.

Like many other countries, Malaysia is naturally exposed to background radiation from the soil, granite rocks and cosmic rays.

To ensure safety, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) regulates all activities involving radioactive materials under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304). The AELB monitors and controls the use of radiation in industries, research and medicine.

Public awareness is also growing, especially on topics like radon exposure, medical imaging safety, and the responsible use of modern technology.

As Malaysia moves towards more sustainable and technology-driven development, this awareness will become even more important.

Practical tips for everyday safety

• At Home: Test for radon if you live in an area known for it and make sure your house is well ventilated.

• At the Clinic: Let your doctor know about previous imaging tests before taking new ones.

• In Construction: Choose building materials from trusted sources.

• With Technology: Mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers emit non-ionising radiation that is too weak to harm human cells under normal use.

Final thoughts

Radiation has always been part of our world. It comes from the rocks beneath our feet and the stars above our heads. It is not something to fear but something to understand.

With the right knowledge, we can protect ourselves and those around us. The real danger is not radiation itself but our lack of understanding about it.

When we know where it comes from and how to manage it wisely, we can live safely and confidently in the modern world.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Nurul Latiffah Abd Rani and Fairus Muhamad Darus are senior lecturers at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA.