RADIATION
BACKGROUND RADIATION
0.34 µSv/hr equals 2.98 mSv/yr
RADIATION SOURCES
Potassium-40 (K-40) is a naturally occurring radioactive
isotope of potassium with a half-life of approximately 1.25
billion years. It undergoes decay via beta emission and
electron capture, producing argon-40 and calcium-40. As one
of the primary sources of natural radioactivity, K-40
contributes to background radiation and is present in trace
amounts in all potassium-containing materials.
Potassium-40 is found in nature as a small fraction of
natural potassium, present in soils, rocks, and oceans. It
is also found in food sources rich in potassium, such as
bananas, potatoes, and certain nuts, making it an integral
part of the human diet and environment. Despite its
radioactivity, the levels of K-40 in natural settings are
low and pose no significant health risk.
RADIATION SOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF A WARMING PLANET
Radon-222 (Rn-222) occurs naturally - part of the uranium-238
decay chain. It is found in soil, rocks, and groundwater in
areas with high uranium or radium content. It can
accumulate in enclosed spaces like basements and buildings,
where it is a significant contributor to natural background
radiation. High levels of radon in homes and workplaces are
considered a health hazard due to its radioactive decay
products, which can attach to dust particles and be
inhaled. Monitoring and mitigation measures are often
implemented in regions with elevated radon levels to
minimize health risks.
IONIZING RADIATION
SOLAR RADIATION
SOLAR WIND
A Solar Filament Erupts
GEOMAGNETIC STORMS
GEOMAGNETIC STORMS
RADIACODE 103G GAMMA SCINTILLATOR REVIEW 
Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet (GAGG:Ce)
RADIACODE LIBRARY REVIEW
RADIACODE 103G DOSE RATE CALIBRATION REVIEW
DOSE RATE CALIBRATION SUMMARY REVIEW
RADIACODE APPLICATION: GAMMA RADIATION FROM LIGHTNING
RADIACODE APPLICATION: AMERICIUM VIDEO: OTHER APPLICATIONS
Above, a radiation spike resulting from the Radiacode 103G
being near an Americium-241 source. One can also see the
effects of lightning about twelve hours later.
Roughly 1.5cm from the Americium-241 source, the intensity
of radiation exceeded the default alarm settings in the
software. The recorded event values of 52.0 cps ±38% and
0.06 µSv/h ±21% are more precise than what the graph shows.
Americium-241 is an alpha particle emitter, often used
in smoke detectors. The alpha particles do not escape their
containers. Note, however, that any nucleus undergoing
radioactive decay also emits weak gamma and x-ray photons
and is often detectable with gamma ray scintillators.
So should we be concerned about this radiation source? Not
really. The weak gamma and x-ray emissions fall off as the
square of the distance so they are literally undetectable
several feet away. The measured dose rate 0.06 µSv/h is way
less than the US average background level of 0.34 µSv/hr.
Email to United Nuclear Scientific
On 4/19/2025 12:29 PM, Sam Wormley wrote:
Greetings --
Years ago I purchased a couple of Nuclear Spinthariscopes
v2.2 that I enjoy very much. Mine are labeled as containing
Thorium. Yet, measurements I make with my Radiacode 103G
gamma ray scintillator show main emission lines: 26 & 59 keV
in the spectra which is consistent with Americium-241.
Thank you,
-Sam
On 4/22/2025 at 12:34 PM, Bob Lazar (Tom) replied:
We've used Am-241 smoke detector sources in a pinch when
high grade Thorium was in short supply. Those units should
have had a different label indicating that.
- Tom
United Nuclear Scientific
125 N. 8th St.
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
sam.wormley@icloud.com
