In 1966, the US federal government officially declared that the city of Taos, New Mexico is the most radioactive city in the United States, and it's still really radioactive

One of the primary reasons for the increased radiation levels is the town's elevation of 7,000 feet. According to various sources, this height and the lack of atmospheric moisture result in increased levels of cosmic rays and radiation from space. Additionally, the town's close proximity to the Rio Grande Gorge, a rift valley, is believed to contribute to the elevated levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This gas seeps from the Earth's crust, accumulating in the valley and releasing radiation into the atmosphere.<br><br>As a result, the people of Taos, New Mexico are exposed to a significant amount of background radiation as part of their daily lives.<br><br>While this level of radiation is still relatively high compared to average U.S. cities, it is important to acknowledge that it falls within the same general range as many major cities around the world. For comparison, Denver, Colorado, a city known for its high elevation and low humidity, has a radiation level of 500 counts per minute, while Minneapolis, Minnesota, with its comparably lower elevation, has a radiation level of 300 counts per minute.<br><br>In summary, while Taos, New Mexico does have an elevated level of background radiation due to its unique location, it is still within the normal range for many urban areas globally.