Technologically enhanced natural radiation and the significance of related risks

Technologically enhanced natural radiation (TENR) is the result of a wide range of industrial activities, such as: non-nuclear energy production, manufacturing, and ore extraction and refining. In addition, recycling of industrial wastes (e.g. phosphogypsum, fly-ash) as construction material, special architectural characteristics (e.g. energy-efficient solar homes) and specific used (e.g. mineral storage by collectors) can cause an increased radiation exposure to workers and members of the public. The total collective effective dose equivalent commitment (CDEC) from the TENR on a global scale in about 400,000 man Sv per year of practice, predominantly due to the impact of the phosphate fertilizer industry. This is equivalent to about 140-times the CDEC resulting from the present complete nuclear fuel cycle worldwide. (author). 43 refs, 5 figs, 5 tabs