The design and challenges of developing a community based environmental radiation study in Madagascar

Full text: QMM is a major mineral sand operation situated in southern Madagascar. As part of its ongoing review of its monitoring system and to address community concerns, a major study was launched to investigate the radiological impacts on local communities. The study was driven by the location, lifestyle and diet of the local communities and was designed to cover the season aspects of the area. Local challenges and the impact of COVID19 had to be addressed whilst maintaining a high level of quality assurance in remote locations. The design also had to take into account the impacts of a variable natural background characterised by a geology with high spatial variance. The study remains ongoing but initial results highlight the importance of stringent scientific process to ensure high quality data. (author)