Ionizing radiation exposure of the Belgian population in 2006

The radiation exposure of the Belgian population in 2006 was calculated with the methods of the UNSCEAR 2000 report. The annual average effective dose is estimated at 4.6 mSv, of which 2.5 mSv is from natural sources and 2.1 mSv from applications of ionizing radiation; more than 95% from medical imaging. The average exposure in Belgium has doubled over the last 110 years, from approximately 2.3 mSv in 1895 to 4.6 mSv in 2006. Of this increase 0.2 mSv comes from natural sources and 2.1 mSv from medical applications. During the same period the average life expectancy in Belgium for man increased from 48 to 77 years and for women from 51 to 83 years resulting in a 3- to 4-fold increase of the lifetime exposure. The risk perception of the population from ionizing radiation is strongly correlated to the perceived possibility of potential exposure, with a high concern for nuclear waste management and a low concern for medical and natural exposure.