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Radiation dose assessment at amang processing plants in Malaysia
1Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia), Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia. muhamat@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|May 19, 2007
Summary
Occupational radiation dose assessments at Malaysian amang plants found that external radiation was the primary contributor (80%) to worker exposure. The mean total dose was 4.1 mSv/year, within acceptable limits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Radiation Physics
Background:
- Amang processing plants can pose radiation exposure risks to workers.
- Understanding radiation sources is crucial for implementing effective safety measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the occupational radiation dose to workers at 16 amang plants in Malaysia.
- To identify the main sources contributing to the total radiation dose.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of external radiation levels were conducted over three months.
- Airborne concentrations of radon/thoron daughters and uranium/thorium in mineral dust were analyzed.
- Occupational doses were estimated based on collected data.
Main Results:
- The estimated occupational dose ranged from 1.7 to 10.9 mSv/year, with a mean of 4.1 mSv/year.
- External radiation accounted for the largest dose contribution (80%).
- Radon/thoron daughters and airborne mineral dust contributed 11% and 9% to the total dose, respectively.
Conclusions:
- External radiation is the predominant source of occupational dose in Malaysian amang plants.
- The overall radiation doses are within acceptable occupational exposure limits.
- Monitoring and control of external radiation sources should be prioritized for worker safety.
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