Radon Progeny in Egyptian Underground Phosphate Mines

Abstract

In addition to the workers in uranium mines, the staff of other underground mines, such as workers in underground phosphate mines, can be exposed to 222Rn and its progeny. In this study the individual radon progeny concentrations were measured in three Egyptian underground phosphate mines to estimate the occupational exposure of the workers at those sites. A filter method was used to measure individual radon progeny concentrations (218Po, 214Pb and 214Po). The reported mean values of radon progeny concentrations exceed the action levels which are recommended by ICRP 65 (1993). Based on the measured individual radon progeny concentrations (218Po, 214Pb and 214Po) in these mines, the annual effective dose for the workers has been calculated using the lung dose model of ICRP 66 (1994). According to the obtained results, some countermeasures were recommended in this study to minimise these exposure levels.

Radiation exposure related to the shipment of fertilisers to and from commercial ports: the case study of the seaport of Ravenna (Italy)

“…In the recent past, the UNSCEAR Committee has reviewed the exposures caused by the production and use of phosphate fertilisers (UNSCEAR 2000). The new information supports the supposition in the UNSCEAR 1993 report that the average annual dose to workers is unlikely to exceed 1.0 mSv (UNSCEAR 1993), even though there are important exceptions: for example, a recent evaluation conducted in phosphate mines in Egypt has calculated an average annual effective dose for workers from the mines ranging from 107 to 182 mSv (El-Hady et al 2001). Similarly, enhanced exposure of the population is usually quite insignificant compared with the normal background exposure from natural sources (UNSCEAR 2000).…”