Risk Assessment for Workplace Exposure to Natural Radioactivity

Dear Colleagues,

Has the worldwide rush toward technological and economic developments led to a deterioration of environmental air quality? Anthropogenic air pollution, be it indoors or outdoors, is considered to be the second biggest global environmental threat after climate change. Could the urge for energy efficiency of buildings be partly responsible for the degradation of indoor air quality in terms of ionizing radiation? We know that ppeople are continuously being exposed to natural sources of ionizing radiation. Natural radiation may have numerous sources, including naturally occurring radioactive materials found in all environments. Every day, people inhale and ingest naturally occurring radionuclides from air, food, and water, which sums up 80% of the annual dose of background radiation that a person receives. Background radiation levels can vary widely due to geological differences. Radon, a naturally occurring gas emanating from rocks and soil is classified as the main source of natural radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as radon, which can occur under different circumstances, at home, at workplaces or in public places is considered existing exposure, and a decision on prevention and control should be taken. If the radiation dose is low and/or is delivered over a long period of time (low dose rate), the risk is substantially lower because there is a greater likelihood of repairing the damage. Although exposure to low doses is associated with low risk, there is still a risk of long-term effects such as cancer; however, that may appear years or even decades later if the low dose is delivered over a long period of time.

Dr. Burghele Bety-Denissa
Guest Editor

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