Radiation
Radiation
Background
Radiation is a form of energy and as it passes through matter it gives up this energy by ionisation or by producing heat. It is this transfer of energy that is responsible for damage to living cells and which has been a cause for concern.
Due to this concern district councils have over many years been involved in the monitoring of radioactive contamination in the environment. This has entailed an ongoing sampling programme of foodstuffs and environmental materials that are sent to independent laboratories for analysis of contamination. In general results from this monitoring show a declining trend of contamination from Chernobyl and Sellafield discharges, although there are some exceptions.
A network of continuous monitors for gamma radiation linked to an alarm system has also been installed by district councils across Northern Ireland. This complements the Radiation Incidents Monitoring Network (RIMNET) system installed by government across the UK. Much of the work carried out by district councils is subject to a quality control system introduced by the Local Authority Radiation and Radioactivity Monitoring Advice and Collation Centre (LARRMACC).
Current Issues
Radon
Radon Gas is the single most important source of radiation to the general population. It occurs naturally in the ground and is particularly associated with granite areas. Being a gas it can enter buildings where, depending on the exposure and concentration, it can give rise to a risk of lung cancer. A radon survey of Northern Ireland has been carried out and currently parts of the southeast corner of Northern Ireland have been designated a Radon Affected Area by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.
The implications of this is that householders in selective areas need to be encouraged to have radon levels checked and where concentrations are above the ‘Action Level’ take necessary remedial action to protect themselves and their families.
For further information visit the Northern Ireland Radiation Monitoring Group Website www.nirmg.org/index.php
Mobile Phones and Telecommunications Masts
Recently there has been widely publicised concerns expressed regarding possible health effects associated with mobile phones and telecommunications masts. The type of radiation involved is known as non-ionising radiation due to its more limited ability to transmit energy compared to other forms of radiation. The greatest potential risk would appear to relate to users of mobile phones as opposed to those residing in the vicinity of telecommunications masts.
Whilst experts opinions can vary it is clear that a precautionary approach should be adopted until such times as there is a clear understanding of long term effects.
