ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Background radiation

Background radiation is radiation that is always around us, from things like the sun, radioactive rocks deep underground, and even the food we eat. It's not dangerous, but it is something that scientists measure to help them understand more about our world. Just like the sun gives us light and warmth, it also gives us radiation. Since we can't see it or feel it, it's called "background radiation". There's also radiation coming from inside the earth, and it's been there since the beginning of time. Even the food we eat can give off small amounts of radiation. All of this radiation mixes together and forms what we call "background radiation", and it helps scientists learn more about our world.