Computer information technology for support of radiation monitoring problems

The monitoring of radiological situation in Russia is currently carried out by several ministries and agencies. The monitoring provides for collection of samples of natural environment (ambient air, soil, surface, underground and sea water) and human habitat (drinking water, foodstuffs, indoor air). Radiation effects on people are also closely looked at. The man-made sources of radioactivity are being monitored, among them are nuclear power plants, nuclear reprocessing and weapons plants, research nuclear reactors, facilities of Ministry of Defence and waste disposal sites. The Rosgidromet service of radiation monitoring and laboratory analysis is responsible for observations of radioactive contamination levels in the natural environs: soil, ambient air, surface and sea waters. The monitoring is performed around radiation facilities and, on the whole, across Russia. Detection of transboundary (region-to-region) transport of radioactivity is also one of the goals. (R.P.)