Norm Exposure in China

The paper gives a brief introduction to exposure to NORM and other natural sources in China. The number of workers monitored for occupational exposure to natural sources exceeds 10.5 million, of whom 6.5 million work in underground coal mines and 3 million work in other non-metal mines. The average annual dose received by monitored workers, mainly due to inhalation of radon, is 2.1 mSv overall. For workers in metal mines, the average dose is more than 5.5 mSv. The paper also reviews the exposure of workers in the production of thorium containing gas mantles and welding electrodes, the exposure of aircrew to cosmic radiation and exposure to radon in underground workplaces other than mines, in hot spring facilities and in homes. (author)