Occupational radiation risk caused by NORM in coal mining industry

Abstract

Abstract. The radiation risk due to the exposure to natural radionuclides, especially to short-lived radon progeny, is a component of the radiation hazard, common in the natural environment and working environment. In Polish mining industry the radiation hazard, caused by natural radionuclides is the natural hazard. Radon in air and radium present in underground brines are sources of radiation hazards. Sediments precipitated out from such waters with enhanced radium content may cause the increase of external gamma radiation dose rate as well as internal contamination due to accidental ingestion or inhalation.Investigation of that specific problem has been started in hard coal underground mines in Poland in early 1970's. At the end of 1980's first regulation was issued. Dose limits and requirements of the radiation monitoring have been established, internal regulations for monitoring and mitigation measures were developed on the basis of the Polish standard. The monitoring and prevention against natural radiation is obligatory in all Polish underground mines since 1989. This duty is strictly supervised by local offices of State Mining Authority in co-operation with other governmental agencies.

A Methodology for the Systematic Identification of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (Norm)

“…In this tier, mining activities dealing with raw materials containing enhanced activity concentration of NOR should be considered first. However, independently of the natural materials mined, all mining activities should be the subject of analysis due to the radiation risk-favourable circumstances that may be created by this type of activity (IAEA, 2002;Wysocka et al, 2021;Skubacz et al, 2019;Skubacz et al, 2011;Santos et al, 2015). Based on national registries, an inventory of active and former mines, including other underground workplaces, should be made in this tier.…”

Measurements of Natural Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples and Hazards in Lega Dembi Gold Mining, East Guji, Oromia, Ethiopia.

“…According to the reference (UNSCEAR, 1982), the gonads, the active bone marrow, and the bone surface cells are considered the organs of interest. Therefore, the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED μSv/y) for the residents of the study area due to the speci c activities of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K was calculated using Equation (8) given by [10] as: AGED (μSv/y) = 3.09𝐴 𝑅𝑎 + 4.18𝐴 𝑇ℎ + 0.314𝐴 𝐾 ___________________ (9) Where A Ra , A Th , and A K are the activity concentration of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K, respectively.…”

“…Mine tailings are made up of loose, non-compacted waste that can easily pollute nearby soils due to atmospheric dispersion. The dust particles hanging in the air can potentially be directly ingested, exposing humans to radiation [8,9]. 222 Ra and 220 Ra, which are daughter products of 238 U and 232 Th, and potassium 40 K, respectively, are the main sources of radiation that affect human health [2].…”

Measurements of natural radionuclide Levels and Hazards in Lega Dembi Gold Mining, Oromia, Ethiopia.

“…Large amounts of mine tailings are dumped near the mine, where they are subjected to constant physical, chemical, and biological processes that concentrate radioactivity in the environment, exposing people to significant radiation doses [7]. The dust particles hanging in the air can potentially be directly ingested, exposing humans to radiation [8,9]. The most common radionuclides are 238 U, 232 Th, and their decay products, and 40 K. The radioactivity varies depending on the lithological makeup and composition of the soil.…”