Anthropogenic substances and products containing natural radionuclides. Radiation exposure analysis

The anthropogenic component of radiation exposure stems from man's activities. It can be induced both by artificial and natural radionuclides. Radiation exposure due to natural radionuclides can be attributed to anthropogenic materials and products: raw materials, wastes, consumer goods, aricles of daily use. The potential radiation exposure induced by artificial radionuclides is subject to monitoring and rigid regulatory provisions at international level. Recently, exposure from natural radionuclides has become an aspect attracting increasing attention, one major reason being the disturbance detected in the ''normal'' natural background radiation, which is a result of man's activities (modified natural radiation exposure). The lecture briefly reviews the existing laws and regulations and a list of the raw materials, wastes, consumer goods and articles of daily use which contain natural radionuclides. The concluding part discusses results of radiation exposure assessments for a variety of relevant situations and cases. (orig./DG)