NORM workers: a challenge for internal dosimetry programmes.

J L Lipsztein; D R Melo; W Sousa; K M Dias da Cunha; A M G Azeredo; L Julião; M Santos

doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006247

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NORM workers: a challenge for internal dosimetry programmes.

J L Lipsztein·D R Melo·W Sousa·K M Dias da Cunha·A M G Azeredo·L Julião·M Santos

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Abstract

The mining, milling and processing of uranium and thorium bearing minerals may result in radiation doses to workers. The control of occupational exposures from these natural sources of radiation imposes a challenge to regulators and radiation protection advisers. A survey pilot programme, which included six mines in Brazil and a monazite plant, was established, consisting of the collection and analysis of concentrations of uranium, thorium and polonium in urine, faeces and air samples. Results from workers were compared to background data from their families living in the same area and from residents from the population of Rio de Janeiro. Positive exposure results were identified among the coal miners, the niobium miners and the monazite sand workers. Difficulties in the application of internal dosimetry programmes are discussed in relation to the control of NORM workers.

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Administration, Inhalation Administration, Oral Air Pollution, Radioactive Humans Inhalation Exposure Mining Occupational Exposure Pilot Projects Polonium Radiation Dosage Radiation Protection Radioisotopes Radiometry Thorium Uranium Comparative Study Evaluation Study Journal Article

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J L Lipsztein, D R Melo, W Sousa, K M Dias da Cunha, A M G Azeredo, L Julião, M Santos. 2003. NORM workers: a challenge for internal dosimetry programmes.. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006247

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