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RadNet

RadNet Near-Real-Time Air Data From Birmingham, AL

This page contains hourly data transmitted from RadNet stationary air monitors to EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL). All RadNet stations measure gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles as they collect on the monitor's filter. These data are posted below on the "Gamma Gross Count Rate" graph. Learn more about RadNet.

Some RadNet monitors also measure exposure rate, which indicates the level of gamma radiation in the vicinity of the monitor. Exposure rate data are posted below, if available. 

To view individual hourly measurements, please search the RadNet database in EPA's Central Data Exchange or view the RadNet CSV File Download webpage.

On this page:

View RadNet Air Filter Analysis Results from Birmingham, AL

Gamma Gross Count Rate

RadNet stationary air monitors measure gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles as they collect on the monitor's filter. EPA uses RadNet monitors to track fluctuations in gamma HelpgammaGamma rays come from many different radioactive elements, both natural and man-made. Gamma rays can penetrate several feet of concrete or a few inches of lead. Gamma rays can pose a serious health threat inside and outside the body and can be lethal depending on the amount received. Scientists use the properties of gamma rays to identify radioactive elements. radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles at each of our sites. Tracking these changes over time gives a picture of the background (normal) levels and allows EPA scientists to detect any unusual changes.

You can see a more detailed view of gamma detection across nine different channel ranges in our Gamma Gross Count Rate (by Channel Range) Graph.

Birmingham, AL - Gamma Gross Count Rate

About the Gamma Gross Count Rate Graph

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Exposure Rate

In an effort to make RadNet radiation data more understandable to the public and easier to compare with international data, EPA is adding exposure rate measurements to our other system capabilities. Exposure rate measurements indicate the level of radiation present per hour in the vicinity of the monitor.

Birmingham, AL - Exposure Rate Graph

About the Exposure Rate Graph

  • Birmingham, AL began reporting exposure rate data on July 5, 2016.
  • The left axis of the graph shows gamma exposure rate in US units of milliRoentgen per hour (mR/h). The right axis shows equivalent dose rate in the international units of nanoSieverts per hour (nSv/h), which is provided for easy comparison with international monitoring stations.
  • To learn about typical dose rates, view About Exposure and Dose Rates.

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