Environmental monitoring at CNEN/Sao Paulo

In order to evaluate the radiological impact due to the operation of the nuclear facilities available at CNEN/Sao Paulo an environmental monitoring program is carried out. This program was established in order to assure that under normal operation conditions the radioactive effluents generated will not give rise to radiation exposures of members of the public in excess of those stipulated by competent authorities. The program comprises a continuous monitoring of all the radioactive liquid and gaseous effluents generated at CNEN/Sao Paulo, and the measurement of the artificial and natural radionuclide concentration in aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric samples in the surrounding of the nuclear facilities. Besides, external gamma radiation background in the environment is measured by using thermoluminescent dosimeters. (author)