Current status of internal dosimetry in Lithuania

Area of Science:

• Radiation Protection
• Dosimetry
• Nuclear Safety Regulations

Background:

• Lithuania's legal framework for radiation protection underwent significant changes post-independence.
• These modifications were driven by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations.
• Alignment with European Community legislation was a key driver for regulatory reform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment of a legal basis for internal dosimetry in Lithuania.
• To outline the functioning system for assessing radionuclide intake and resulting exposure.
• To detail the methods used for internal dose assessment in Lithuania.

Main Methods:

• Development of a legal framework for internal dosimetry.
• Implementation of a system for assessing the intake of radionuclides.
• Utilization of direct and indirect measurement techniques for radionuclide concentration.
• Application of these methods for worker and public dose assessment.

Main Results:

• A robust legal basis for internal dosimetry is now in place in Lithuania.
• A functional system for assessing radionuclide intake has been successfully established.
• Direct and indirect measurements are effectively employed for internal dose evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Lithuania has successfully modernized its radiation protection legal basis.
• The established system ensures accurate assessment of internal radiation exposure.
• These advancements enhance the protection of workers and the public from radionuclide intake.