Environmental Radiological Protection Research Articles

Protection of the environment from exposure to ionising radiation: why and how evolution is timely for the ICRP system

Currently, several task groups are addressing complementary aspects in support of improved ICRP's recommendations and ultimately, a more robust approach to protection of the environment from deleterious effects of exposure to ionising radiation. In this context, ongoing developments are briefly presented, with some examples of new methods that have been conceived and implemented (e.g. statistical extrapolation models to quantify the range of radiosensitivity within a taxonomic class and derive transparently and systematically benchmark values or ranges such as the Derived Consideration Reference levels- DCRLs). This paper also addresses the main goals of the ongoing task groups dealing with various aspects of Environmental Radiological Protection (ERP) and their interactions, and the potential need for reformulation of the goal(s) for ERP. The approaches taken by the task groups and the outcomes of their work are expected to inform an inclusive and holistic justification and optimisation process to be considered in the review of the general recommendations of the ICRP.

An introduction to ecosystem services for radiological protection

It is important that the system of radiological protection provides for an appropriate level of human and environmental protection without unduly limiting desirable human actions, adversely affecting sustainable development, or resulting in unintended consequences. As such, there has been increasing interest in incorporating monitoring and assessment of ecosystem services in many contexts related to environmental protection and policy making. Ecosystem services are the benefits humankind derives from the workings of the natural world, i.e., from ecosystems, and are crucial to human well-being by, for example, providing nutritious food and clean water; regulating air quality; supporting crop pollination and soil formation; and offering recreational, cultural, and spiritual benefits. The mandate of the recently formed Task Group 125 is to explore and share knowledge on ecosystem services by providing background and recommendations on if and how ecosystem services can support a more holistic approach to environmental radiological protection (ERP) and, as specifically relevant to ERP, explore how the system of radiological protection contributes to the delivery of sustainable development. This paper provides an overview of ecosystem services and an introduction to the ongoing work of Task Group 125.

Radiation doses to non-human species after the Fukushima accident and comparison with ICRP’s DCRLs: A systematic qualitative review

This study reviewed publications on radiation dose estimations for non-human species after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and discussed the accident’s potential effects on the environment. Articles published from 2011 to December 2022 in online database were manually searched, and 27 eligible articles were identified. The estimated doses were summarized according to reference animals and plants and derived consideration reference levels (DCRLs) from ICRP Publication 108. Most estimated dose rates were on or below DCRL bands, but several greatly exceeded the DCRLs, mainly immediately after the accident. Half of the articles focused on dose estimation, but 13 also contained assessments of radiation effects. Effects such as chromosomal aberrations, morphological abnormalities, and population decline, were observed and the observed effects corresponding to estimated dose rates were implied in agreement with DCRL. Although a broader integration of knowledge is needed to obtain more robust data on environmental effects and improve environmental protection systems, our review contributes to refining the objectives of the environmental radiological protection approach.

Ecologically relevant radiation exposure triggers elevated metabolic rate and nectar consumption in bumblebees

Abstract Exposure to radiation is a natural part of our environment. Yet, due to nuclear accidents such as at Chernobyl, some organisms are exposed to significantly elevated dose rates. Our understanding of the effects of radiation in the environment is limited, confounded by substantial interspecific differences in radio‐sensitivity and conflicting findings. Here we study radiation impacts on bumblebees in the laboratory using principles from life‐history theory, which assume organismal investment in fitness‐related traits is constrained by resource availability and resource allocation decisions. To investigate how chronic radiation might negatively affect life‐history traits, we tested whether exposure affects bumblebee energy budgets by studying resource acquisition (feeding) and resource use (metabolic rate). We monitored metabolic rate, movement and nectar intake of bumblebees before, during and after 10 days of radiation exposure. Subsequently, we monitored feeding and body mass across a dose rate gradient to investigate the dose rate threshold for these effects. We studied dose rates up to 200 μGy/hr: a range found today in some areas of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Chronic low‐dose radiation affected bumblebee energy budgets. At 200 μGy/hr nectar consumption elevated by 56% relative to controls, metabolic CO2 production increased by 18%, and time spent active rose by 30%. Once radiation exposure stopped, feeding remained elevated but CO2 production and activity returned to baseline. Our analysis indicates that elevated metabolic rate was not driven by increased activity but was instead closely associated with feeding increases. Our data suggest bumblebee nectar consumption was affected across the 50–200 μGy/hr range. We show field‐realistic radiation exposure influences fundamental metabolic processes with potential to drive changes in many downstream life‐history traits. We hypothesise that radiation may trigger energetically costly repair mechanisms, increasing metabolic rate and nectar requirements. This change could have significant ecological consequences in contaminated landscapes, including Chernobyl. We demonstrate bumblebees are more sensitive to radiation than assumed by existing international frameworks for environmental radiological protection. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

NPP: Protecting the environment

Nuclear energy is a good option for the environment, but the potential for NPP to harm the environment is still evident. Safety is used by NPP to protect its environment. Low environmental risk was demonstrated, but the last two accidents resulted in disaster. Environmental protection parties need to participate in reducing environmental hazards of NPP by knowing why NPP is harmful and how to compensate. The perspective of protecting the environment is needed. An exploratory study of NPP’s environmental protection was conducted to obtain answers. Publications from institutions engaged in NPP and expert opinions are sources of information. The results obtained indicate that there is optimism on the success of confining fission products, but very little control has been done on the quantity. No environmental protection is carried out when accidents occur, so environmental goods and services are sacrificed. Human protection is the focus. References to environmental radiological protection are still limited to animal and plant species and have not touched environmental goods and services. This allows for an imbalance between the potential radiological load of the NPP and the environmental capacity. It is necessary to develop the idea that NPP is not significantly dangerous in an accident.

Radiation hazards and natural radioactivity levels in surface soil samples from dwelling areas of North Cyprus

Due to increasing concern about environmental radiological protection, radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in surface soil samples collected from the North area of Cyprus have been determined using a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The range of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in the soil samples varies from 49.7 ± 3 to 147.6 ± 17.2, 18.1 ± 1.5 to 93.9 ± 10.7, 103.5 ± 27 to 1468.6 ± 176.1 and 4.3 ± 0.1 to 15.9 ± 1.3 Bq kg−1, respectively. The obtained results and calculated values of radiation dose in the study area indicate that the relatively high background radioactivity levels.

Integration of radiological protection of the environment into the system of radiological protection.

In 2005, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) decided to create a new committee, Committee 5, to take charge of the Commission's work on environmental radiological protection. Committee 5 was tasked with ensuring that the system for environmental radiological protection would be reconcilable with that for radiological protection of humans, and with the approaches used for protection of the environment from other potential hazards. The task was completed over three consecutive terms, resulting in inclusion of protection of the environment in the 2007 Recommendations; in ICRP Publications 108 and 114 where the concept of Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) and their corresponding data were described; in ICRP Publication 124 on how to apply the system in planned, existing, and emergency exposure situations; and in publications on improved dosimetry (ICRP Publication 136) and ecologically relevant 'weighting factors' for different types of radiation (being finalised for public consultation). With the beginning of this new term, ICRP has moved to integrate its approach to protection of humans and the environment within the system of radiological protection by tasking aspects of an integrated system to each of the committees. Acknowledging that Committee 5 had fulfilled its mission, in 2016, ICRP revised the mandates for the committees effective of 1 July 2017 (the mandate for Committee 3 was also widened to include exposures incurred in veterinary practice). ICRP is moving towards the future, building on the previous successes, and will under these revised mandates approach radiological protection in a holistic manner (an integrated system) where appropriate consideration is given to the understanding of exposures and effects in the environment under different exposure situations and scenarios, and what protective actions might be warranted under such circumstances.

Environmental radiology assessment in Lahad Datu, Sabah

Monitoring terrestial gamma radiation is crucial to prepare a baseline data for environmental radiological protection. Radiological research was carried out in Lahad Datu, Sabah to obtain the radioactivity status and terrestrial gamma radiation level in the area. We measure the terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates and analyse the radioactivity concentration of primordial radionuclides for radiological risk assessment. We identified that the annual estimation of dose effective for public is below the public dose limit, 1 mSv per year. Public and environment safety and health are remain secure. The obtained data and results can be used as reference for environmental radiology protection.

Ethical foundations of environmental radiological protection.

Assessing the potential ecological impact of ionising radiation raises a number of ethical questions. These include fundamental questions such as what exactly constitutes harming the environment, and how the environment should be valued, as well as links to political protection principles such as sustainability and biodiversity. Starting from developments within ecological risk assessment, this paper summarises some of the ethical issues concerning the protection of the environment from radiation. Chapter 2 gives a brief overview of different philosophical and cultural world views on valuing the environment in a context of radiation risk. Chapter 3 addresses some recent challenges to proposed environmental protection frameworks, including practical applications following the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, and some scientific developments such as the ecosystem approach. Finally, Chapter 4 offers some recommendations on how ethical evaluation can help produce a more robust and transparent approach to the protection of the environment. In conclusion, there is a need for a holistic evaluation of the environmental impacts of ionising radiation that not only considers the direct consequences on the health of humans and non-human species, but also the more complex social, ethical, and economic consequences of both human and non-human exposures.

Irradiation of rainbow trout at early life stages results in trans-generational effects including the induction of a bystander effect in non-irradiated fish

The bystander effect, a non-targeted effect (NTE) of radiation, which describes the response by non-irradiated organisms to signals emitted by irradiated organisms, has been documented in a number of fish species. However transgenerational effects of radiation (including NTE) have yet to be studied in fish. Therefore rainbow trout, which were irradiated as eggs at 48h after fertilisation, eyed eggs, yolk sac larvae or first feeders, were bred to generate a F1 generation and these F1 fish were bred to generate a F2 generation. F1 and F2 fish were swam with non-irradiated bystander fish. Media from explants of F1 eyed eggs, F1 one year old fish gill and F1 two year old fish gill and spleen samples, and F2 two year old gill and spleen samples, as well as from bystander eggs/fish, was used to treat a reporter cell line, which was then assayed for changes in cellular survival/growth. The results were complex and dependent on irradiation history, age (in the case of the F1 generation), and were tissue specific. For example, irradiation of one parent often resulted in effects not seen with irradiation of both parents. This suggests that, unlike mammals, in certain circumstances maternal and paternal irradiation may be equally important. This study also showed that trout can induce a bystander effect 2 generations after irradiation, which further emphasises the importance of the bystander effect in aquatic radiobiology. Given the complex community structure in aquatic ecosystems, these results may have significant implications for environmental radiological protection.

Measurements of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials for some Granite Rocks samples in the Eastern Desert Egypt

The distribution of natural radionuclide γ-ray activities and their respective annual effective dose rates, produced by 238 U, 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 235 U, 232 Th and 40 K were determined for igneous rock samples collected along the road between Idfu and Marsa Alam in eastern desert of Egypt. This subject is important in environmental radiological protection, since igneous rocks are widely used as building material. The variation in concentration of radionuclides for thirty igneous rock samples was determined. A HPGe spectrometer was used for quantification of gamma emitting radionuclides in the samples. All igneous rocks contained radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series as well as 40 K. 238 U concentrations in samples ranged from 12.03±0.88 to 19.34±1.41 Bq.kg -1 , 235 U from 1.16±0.11 to 4.83±0.44, Bq.kg -1 , 226 Ra from 9.69±0.82 to 18.97±1.33 Bq.kg -1 , 228 Ra ranged from 10.24±0.70 to 17.35±1.29, 232 Th range from 9.99±0.67 to l7.65±1.23 Bq.kg -1 and 40 K from 298.58±21.74 to 955.78±69.58 Bq.kg -1 .

On the application of an environmental radiological assessment system to an anthropomorphic surrogate

Recent developments have seen the expansion of the system of radiological protection for humans to one including protection of the environment against detrimental effects of radiation exposure, although a fully developed framework for integration of human and ecological risk assessment for radionuclides is only at an early stage. In the context of integration, significant differences exist between assessment methodologies for humans and the environment in terms of transfer, exposure, and dosimetry. The aim of this elaboration was to explore possible implications of the simplifications made within the system of environmental radiological protection in terms of the efficacy and robustness of dose-rate predictions. A comparison was conducted between human radiological assessment and environmental radiological assessment for an anthropomorphic surrogate, the results for which, produced by both the environmental and human-oriented risk assessment systems, were critically compared and contrasted. The adopted approach split the calculations into several parts, these being 1) physical transfer in an ecosystem, 2) transfer to humans, 3) internal doses to humans, and 4) external doses to humans. The calculations were carried out using both a human radiological assessment and ecological risk assessment system for the same surrogate. The results of this comparison provided indications as to where the 2 systems are amenable to possible integration and where such integration may prove difficult. Initial stage transport models seem to be an obvious component amenable for integration, although complete integration is arguably unattainable as the differences between endpoints mean that the relevant outputs from the models will not be the same. For the transfer and dosimetry components of 2 typical methodologies, it seems that the efficacy of the environmental system is radionuclide-dependent, the predictions given by the environmental system for (90) Sr and (60) Co being unsatisfactory and those for (239) Pu and (210) Po being evidently poor. Integration in this context might take the form of exploring the biokinetic models developed for humans with regard to selected animals and radionuclides. External dose assessment for environmental and human systems provide results for the surrogate that correspond quite closely providing an indication that integration in this regard is perhaps unnecessary.

Natural radioactivity in granite stones used as building materials in Iran

Due to increasing concern about environmental radiological protection, specific radioactivity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in different types of commonly used granite stone samples collected from the Tehran city of Iran have been determined by means of a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K in the selected granite samples ranged from 18 to 178, 6 to 160 and 556 to 1539 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The radium equivalent activities (Ra(eq)) are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1) set by NEA-OECD [Nuclear Energy Agency. Exposure to radiation from natural radioactivity in building materials. Report by NEA Group of Experts. OECD (1979)], except in two samples. The internal hazard indexes have been found well below the acceptable limit in most of the samples. Five samples of investigated commercial granite stones do not satisfy the safety criterion illustrated by UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Exposure from natural sources of radiation. Report to the General Assembly (1993). Applying dose criteria recently recommended by the EC [European Commission Report on Radiological Protection Principles Concerning the Natural Radioactivity of Building Materials. Radiation Protection 112 (1999)] for superficial materials, all investigated samples meet the exemption dose limit of 0.3 mSv y(-1).

Environmental radiological protection and nuclear law: from the protection of humans to the protection of the environment per se?

In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness that nuclear law needs to address the question of the effects of ionising radiation on the environment and on nature. This is the result of long debates among environmental ethicists on the intrinsic value of nature and non-human species, including the question of who or what has moral and legal standing. How are non-human species protected from hazardous effects of ionising radiations by nuclear law? After some environmental ethics considerations, the paper reviews the current radiological protection approach in the international and European legislations, before asking the current content of the concept of compensation for damage to the environment in the nuclear liability system.

Measurements of natural radioactivity and the resulting radiation doses from commercial granites

Saudi Arabia is becoming a relatively large market for local and foreign marble and granite use in dwellings. Due to increasing concern about environmental radiological protection, different types of locally widely used granite tiles were collected from different suppliers in the Jeddah province, Saudi Arabia. The analysis for these granite tiles for gamma radiation was conducted by means of a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and 40K in the selected granite samples ranged from 4.9 to 144, 9.7 to 133 and 168 to 1806 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The data were compared with other granite types and building materials used all over the world. The absorbed dose rates, effective dose rates, radium equivalent activities as well as the radiation hazard indices were estimated. The radium equivalent activities (Ra(eq)) are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1) set by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (Exposure to radiation from the natural radioactivity in building materials. Report by a Group of Experts of the OECD, Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD, Paris, 1979) except in three samples.

Issues around radiological protection of the environment and its integration with protectionof humans: promoting debate on the way forward

This paper explores issues to consider around integrating direct, explicit protection of theenvironment into the current system of radiological protection, which is focused on theprotection of humans. Many issues around environmental radiological protection have beendiscussed, and ready-to-use toolboxes have been constructed for assessing harm tonon-human biota, but it is not clear how (or even if) these should be fitted into the currentsystem of protection. Starting from the position that the current approach to protectingthe environment (namely that it follows from adequately protecting humans) is generallyeffective, this paper considers how explicit radiological protection of the environment canbe integrated with the current system, through developing a ‘worked example’of how this could be done and highlighting issues peculiar to protection of theenvironment. The aim of the paper is to promote debate on this topic, with theultimate aim of ensuring that any changes to the system are consensual and robust.

226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentrations in igneous rocks from eastern desert, Egypt and its radiological implications

By applying high-resolution γ -ray spectroscopic system, the various radionuclides of the granite samples have been identified quantitatively based on the characteristic spectral peaks. The radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentrations measured as well as radiological parameters, for 49 granite samples were calculated. This subject is important in environmental radiological protection, since granites are widely used as building and ornamental stones. The variation in concentration of radionuclides for the Um Taghir area can be classified into two regions of low and high natural radioactivity. In old granite, the measured γ -ray spectra, activity concentrations were determined for 226Ra (from 2.9 ± 1 to 31.8 ± 6 Bq kg - 1 ), 232Th (range from 1.4 ± 1 to 14.9 ± 4 Bq kg - 1 ) and 40K (from 132 ± 11 to 2080 ± 46 Bq kg - 1 ), in younger granite 226Ra (from 8.9 ± 3 to 9087 ± 95 Bq kg - 1 ), 232Th (range from 9.8 ± 3 to 3834 ± 62 Bq kg - 1 ) and 40K (from 471 ± 22 to 10230 ± 101 Bq kg - 1 ). In Wadi Karim area these values were ( 14.0 ± 4 – 227.0 ± 15 , 10.5 ± 3 – 183.0 ± 14 and 2299 ± 48 – 7356 ± 86 Bq kg - 1 ). The highest values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentration ( 9087 ± 95 , 3834 ± 62 and 10230 ± 101 Bq kg - 1 ,respectively) were observed in anomalies samples at Um Taghir region. Radium-equivalent activities (Ra eq) in addition to the internal hazard index ( H in ) have also been determined. In Um Taghir samples Ra eq varies between 15 and 625 Bq kg - 1 (old granite), 144– 13 982 Bq kg - 1 (younger granite) which exceeds the permitted value ( 370 Bq kg - 1 ) and hazard index ( H in ) (0.05–1.74), (0.65–62.34) which is higher than 1, the corresponding values in Wadi Karim samples were 206– 685 Bq kg - 1 and from 0.59 to 2.46, respectively. The total absorbed dose rates in air calculated from the concentrations of the three radionuclides ranged from 8 to 6187 nGy h - 1 , and the external annual effective dose rate of the areas were determined to be between 0.04 and 30.37 mSv y - 1 . This study provides a baseline map of radioactivity background levels in the Egyptian environment and will be used as reference information to assess any changes in the radioactive background level due to geological processes.

Regulation and decision-making in environmental radiation protection

The EC-funded project FASSET (Framework for ASSessment of Environmental impacT), which completed in 2003/2004, has developed an assessment framework for evaluating the environmental impact of ionising radiation on biota in natural ecosystems. The framework provides practical and scientific support to the international development of recommendations for radiological protection of the environment through the International Commission on Radiological Protection (1). However, on the basis of experiences from FASSET and other recent developments, it can be concluded that there are challenges remaining before environmental radiological protection can be seen as a natural component of general environmental protection. The major future challenge is the development of an integrated approach where decision-making can be guided by sound scientific judgements. This requires, inter alia, filling basic knowledge gaps relevant to assessment and protection, through targeted experimental, theoretical (including expert judgements) and real case studies; development of risk characterisation methodologies, based on both theoretical and experimental studies; development of screening standards, where appropriate; development of user-friendly assessment tools; and stakeholder involvement, supported by targeted communication strategies. A new EC-funded project, ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and management), has recently started aimed at some of these issues. The project has four operational work packages, being devoted to the development of practical assessment tools (WP1), risk characterisation (WP2), decision-making involving stakeholder dialogue (WP3) and cases studies (WP4). The implications of the FASSET project and its contribution to prioritisation within ERICA are discussed.

Natural radionuclide distribution in Brazilian commercial granites

The dimension stones sector in Brazil produces several varieties of granites, marbles, slates and basalts. More than half of this production corresponds to around 200 different commercial types of granites with specific names, geographical and geological origins and mineral compositions. The well-known natural radioactivity present in rocks, where high radiation levels are associated with igneous rocks such as granite, can be used to determine their general petrologic features. This subject is important in environmental radiological protection, since granites are widely used as building and ornamental stones. In this paper, it is applied to correlate the petrographic characteristics of commercial granites with their corresponding dose rates for natural radioactivity. Amounts of thorium, uranium and potassium concentrations have been reported in several Brazilian commercial granite samples.