A methodology for the systematic identification of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)

Tools for Harmonized Data Collection at Exposure Situations with Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (Norm)

“…Prior to data collection, it is necessary to identify NORM exposure sites if these are unknown in a country. A systematic, tiered approach has been developed to identify all situations when exposure to NOR cannot be neglected from a radiation protection perspective considering NOR characteristics and potential changes to NOR content in the various industrial processes (Michalik et al, 2023). The methodology assumes an initial position of limited knowledge of the situation and proposes several tiers: a) analysis of the presence of natural mineral resources, b) identification of ongoing and any former mining industries, c) Identification of ongoing and former mineral/fossil fuels processing industries, and d) analysis of commodities and products life cycle, including their application and final disposal.…”

“…The type of information and data to include in the registers, to support radiation protection of workers, public and environment, following the identification of NORM industries and exposure situations by means of the developed tiered methodology (Michalik et al, 2023), were chosen as a result of a comprehensive international joint literature review (e.g. EC, 2014; IAEA, 2014; ICRP, 2019) and expert discussions.…”

“…The data obtained will contribute to improved understanding of the extent of activities involving NORM, radionuclide behaviours and the associated radiation exposure, and will provide an insight into related scientific, practical and regulatory challenges.The development of a tiered methodology for identification of NORM exposure situations and complementary tools to support uniform data collection were the first activities in the mentioned project NORM work. While NORM identification methodology is given in Michalik et al, 2023, in this paper, the main details of tools for NORM data collection are presented and they are made publicly available.The tools are a series of NORM registers in Microsoft Excel form, that have been comprehensively designed to help (a) identify the main NORM issues of radiation protection concern at given exposure situations, (b) gain an overview of materials involved (i.e., raw materials, products, by-products, residues, effluents), c) collect qualitative and quantitative data on NORM, and (d) characterise multiple hazards exposure scenarios and make further steps towards development of an integrated risk and exposure dose assessment for workers, public and non-human biota.Furthermore, the NORM registers ensure standardised and unified characterisation of NORM situations in a manner that supports and complements the effective management and regulatory control of NORM processes, products and wastes, and related exposures to natural radiation worldwide.…”

“…The development of a tiered methodology for identification of NORM exposure situations and complementary tools to support uniform data collection were the first activities in the mentioned project NORM work. While NORM identification methodology is given in Michalik et al, 2023, in this paper, the main details of tools for NORM data collection are presented and they are made publicly available.…”

Calculate the Rate of Natural Radioactivity in the Soil of Some Schools Using the NaI(Tl) Detector in the City of Hilla-Iraq

“…It is possible to detect the presence of naturally existing radionuclides like U-238, Th-232, and K-40. Interpretation of environmental pollution in rocks and soil will be the next discussion [3]. Humans may constantly be exposed to naturally occurring radiation from cosmic rays and the elements, but the exposure to artificially created rays from medical tests such as X-rays is simply limited.…”