Typical background radiation:
| Unit | Normal range |
|---|---|
| µSv/hr | ~0.05–0.20 µSv/hr |
| mR/hr | ~0.005–0.02 mR/hr |
| CPM | ~5–50 CPM (varies by detector) |
General interpretation:
- Normal → background range
- Elevated → 2–10× background
- Concerning → sustained high readings
- Dangerous → very high dose rate (depends on duration)
Key point: Radiation risk depends on dose over time, not just a single reading.