Glossary - B

Background Radiation

The naturally-occurring nuclear radiation coming from outer space as cosmic radiation, or from naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium and radium in the materials of the earth.

Source: AECL

Becquerel (Bq)

The unit of radioactive decay equal to 1 disintegration per second. 37 billion becquerels is equal to 1 curie (Ci). There are 30,000 disintegrations per second taking place inside a household smoke detector.

Source: AECL

Beta Radiation

An electron (or a particle of equal weight to an electron but with a positive electrical charge) that is emitted from a radionuclide. It is less damaging than the same dose of alpha radiation but more penetrating. Beta radiation can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal or plastic.

Source: AECL