Support for a European Metrology Network on Reliable Radiation Protection: Gaps in Radiation Protection and Related Metrology

Abstract

In this work, the results of a virtual workshop on gaps in radiation protection and related metrology, which was carried out as part of the EMPIR project 19NET03 supportBSS, are reported. The topics, considered most important in terms of radiation protection metrology, were presented and discussed in 8 main areas: 1. Activity standards, 2. Reference fields, 3. New operational quantities in radiation protection, 4. Measuring devices for radiation protection in medical or industrial applications of ionizing radiation, 5. Measuring devices for environmental monitoring, 6. Type testing, 7. Harmonized handling, transmission, storage and availability of measurement data, 8. Education and training needs. The corresponding research needs and metrological challenges related to the metrology services and the relevant stakeholders are presented.

Radon metrology for use in climate change observation and radiation protection at the environmental level

“…So far, atmospheric radon activity concentrations and radon fluxes are not yet reported in EURDEP, nor routinely measured within the European radiological networks although these observations could help to avoid false positives results.Due to above applications, there is a need of building a metrological chain to ensure high quality radon activity concentrations and radon flux measurements. Both climate and radiation protection research communities underline the need for improved traceability in low-level atmospheric radon measurements (Khanbabaee et al, 2021). The EMPIR project 19ENV01 traceRadon 1 is aimed towards pro-1 This project 19ENV01 traceRadon has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and viding the necessary measurement infrastructure and transfer standards to fulfil this need.Results of this project are particularly important for improving independent GHG emission estimates that support national reporting under the Paris Agreement on climate change and for the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom, thus benefitting two large scientific communities.…”

“…Due to above applications, there is a need of building a metrological chain to ensure high quality radon activity concentrations and radon flux measurements. Both climate and radiation protection research communities underline the need for improved traceability in low-level atmospheric radon measurements (Khanbabaee et al, 2021). The EMPIR project 19ENV01 traceRadon 1 is aimed towards pro-1 This project 19ENV01 traceRadon has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and viding the necessary measurement infrastructure and transfer standards to fulfil this need.…”