10 things you didn't know were radioactive

We all know about the obvious sources of radiation: nuclear power plants, microwave ovens, nuclear weapons and visits to some areas of Japan or Ukraine. However, it is also necessary to be aware of less obvious sources of radiation, because unfortunately there are things that you did not even know about the radioactivity.

(Total 10 photos)

1. Brazil nut

This product has been proven to be one of the most radioactive in the world. Experts have found that after eating even a small portion of Brazil nuts, human urine and feces become extremely radioactive.

The reason for this is quite simple: the roots of Brazil nut trees go so deep into the ground that they absorb a huge amount of radium, which is a natural source of radiation.

2. Station in New York

The Central Station in New York is one of the largest stations in the world. Surely, many of those who happened to visit it would be surprised to learn that this place is considered one of the most radioactive in the world. And all because the walls of the station, as well as its foundation, were built using granite. It has long been known that this material has the ability to contain natural radiation. It has been proven that the level of radiation at the Central Station in New York exceeds all permissible limits and can only be compared with the level produced by nuclear power plants.

3. Life in Denver

Scientific facts show that the higher you climb the mountain, the more cosmic radiation your body is exposed to.

You can refer to the following: the layer of the atmosphere surrounding our planet is becoming less and less as a person rises higher and higher. Based on this, we get less protection from harmful radiation as we rise farther from the ground.

Denver residents face the problem of the strongest radiation every day, since the city is located at an altitude of about two kilometers above sea level.

As a result of this location, people suffer from radiation about twice as much as those who live in the cities below. However, despite the high level of radiation, science has revealed one interesting feature: the inhabitants of mountainous areas have a much higher life expectancy.

It is enough to give an example of the Caucasian centenarians. Experts say that, perhaps, it is radiation that is the cause of their good health. Does cosmic radiation really help people live longer? Scientists find it difficult to give a definite answer to this question.

4. Door signs

Surely each of us in everyday life when visiting certain places came across a sign that indicates the entrance and exit in the room. This sign with special illumination helps people to escape during various natural disasters.

Even when the electricity is completely cut off, such signs remain lit, as they are not connected to the main power supply in the building. A quite reasonable question arises: how then is the backlight carried out?

Thanks to the radioactive isotope of hydrogen contained inside the sign, this glowing effect is obtained. However, there is another danger: if, with a strong impact or collision with another object, the tablet breaks, then radioactive isotopes, getting into the air, can infect the entire building.

Thus, they become hazardous to human health.

5. Cat litter

If you have a cat in your house, the chances that you can receive additional radioactive radiation increases several times.

Experts have proven that an ordinary and seemingly harmless cat litter can become a source of radiation in a house. The reason for this is quite simple: they use bentonite clay in their production.

This one of the main components of the filler is quite harmful not only for the animal, but also for humans. Bentonite clay gives the strongest radiation.

The danger lies in the fact that when we throw away the used patches, their contents penetrate into the soil, and then with a high probability they can enter the groundwater.

Here lies the most terrible danger for all mankind. Contaminated water can cause very serious diseases and epidemics. One can imagine how many harmful compounds the soil receives every year only because of such landfills.

6. Bananas

Like Brazil nuts, this product also produces a large amount of radiation, with the only difference being that in the case of Brazil nuts, the reason lies in the roots of the tree, which absorb the harmful radiation.

In bananas, radioactivity is present in their genetic code from the very beginning. However, lovers of this fruit can be calm: after all, you need to eat at least 5 million fruits for the first symptoms of radiation sickness to appear.

However, special devices record a fairly high level of radioactivity in bananas. Therefore, you should be very careful with this favorite delicacy.

7. Granite countertop

This detail of the kitchen interior can become a source of radiation. As mentioned above, granite is a source of natural radiation. Therefore, if you have a granite countertop in your kitchen, the chances of getting a little radiation are very high.

You may not eat bananas or Brazil nuts, but you will still be exposed to radiation. Food processed on such a countertop also becomes a source of radiation, even if it emits it in small quantities.

8. Cigarettes

It is unlikely that anyone will be surprised by the fact that smoking is one of the most harmful human habits. Every day the media warn us about the dangers of tobacco.

However, in addition to a number of harmful elements, some cigarettes contain the life-threatening radioactive material polonium-210. The radioactive isotope of this substance is found in small concentrations in tobacco leaves.

When a smoker inhales a cigarette, harmful elements enter the human organs and settle in them.

Although polonium is found in very small amounts in a cigarette, it accumulates over time and can subsequently cause a number of cancers. The most common disease that befalls a smoker is cancer of the lungs and throat.

9. Old pottery and glass

Many of us keep old dishes as a memory of something or someone dear. However, experts advise getting rid of old dishes immediately. According to them, many items of pottery before 1960 are radioactive.

First of all, this applies to red and orange dishes, which contain uranium harmful to the human body. It was this element that was used together with the glaze that covered the dishes in those days.

A mixture of uranium and such a glaze made it possible to achieve a distinctive bright color. The same goes for old glass with a greenish tint. It is better to get rid of such dishes, which, in all likelihood, contain uranium, and in some cases also lead.

10. Gloss

If a publisher wants to increase circulation and demand for his magazine, he starts printing it on glossy paper. It is difficult to disagree with the fact that such a publication looks more attractive and solid for the buyer.

Of course, gloss attracts the majority. However, there is another side of the coin here. As in the case of cat litter, kaolin, a type of white clay, is used in the production of gloss.

Kaolin has the ability to hold radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. This clay is also used as a dietary supplement and as one of the ingredients in many government patented medicines.