Direct continuous multichannel gamma spectrometric measurements -one of the main methods for control and study of radioactive environmental pollution

Six reasons are given for suggesting that radioactivity in the environment should be monitored continuously using multichannel gamma spectrometry. These are the probability of an accident at a nuclear power plant (estimated at one every 4 years for the number of power stations now in operation), the possibility of damage to a reactor from natural disaster, the increased use of nuclear powered ships, missiles etc, the radioactivity released during the course of normal operation of nuclear facilities, the increased use of radioisotope sources and as a basis for modelling radionuclide migration and redistribution over time. The use of stationary monitoring points as well as on vehicles, boats and aircraft is recommended. Some problems are discussed. The experience of continuous gamma monitoring following the Chernobyl accident is discussed and results given. (U.K.)