NORM MANAGEMENT

The acronym NORM means all Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials. Humans are continuously exposed to these materials such as potassium-40, uranium, thorium and their daughter products present in our environment. Some times, human activities such as uranium mining, phosphate mining, oil exploration, etc enhance the NORM concentration, which increases the potential of exposures of population groups to the radiation. Two important decay products of concern are Ra-226 and a radioactive gas - Radon-222. NORM received a global attention during last 4 decades.

Hence, it is important that the concentration of NORM is measured in suspected industrial activities and take appropriate measures to protect the workers and the environment. The industrial activities which generate NORM waste should be regulated to prevent environmental hazard from the disposal of the waste. Many countries have already aware of the issue and initiated remedial measures to control occupational exposures and to ensure environmental safety. NORM is discovered in the sludge being generated in deep oil well exploration /production activities. GM detectors or scintillation detectors are used for the NORM survey.

Radiation levels due to NORM are measured at the work sites. Personnel monitoring and personal protective equipments, if required are used to measure radiation exposures of the workers and its control. Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) are used to measure personal exposures and respirators (dust/gas), gloves, overalls, goggles are some of the personal protective equipments (PPEs) used. Above all, the workers should be made aware of the possible NORM exposures so that they follow proper and safe work procedures for the NORM management and environmental safety.