Doses from external exposure at workplace in non-uranium mines in China

Objective: To estimate the dose to non-uranium miners from external exposure. Methods: Ore samples of non-uranium mines were collected in site and analyzed with gamma spectrometry, then annual dose to the miners was estimated based on the measured radioactivities of radionuclides. Results: Thirty-two ore samples in thirteen mines in seven provinces were collected and analyzed. Among them, radioactivity concentrations in two samples were higher than others, and the annual doses from external exposure to the radionuclides in the two ore samples were estimated to be higher than 1 mSv/a. Conclusions: Gamma spectrometry is fit for determining the radionuclides concentrations and its results can be used for estimating dose from external exposure in non-uranium mines. (authors)