Environmental Monitoring and Dosimetry (EM&D) Laboratories

Environmental Monitoring and Dosimetry (EM&D) Laboratories

Under section 39(1) of the Ordinance; PNRA is empowered to ensure, implement and co-ordinate the national program of environmental surveillance to check any build-up of environmental radioactivity that might affect the public health. In order to perform this function, PNRA has established EM&D Laboratories as an internal technical support centre with the objective of performing environmental monitoring and dosimetry for assessment of radiation doses received by both the radiation workers and general public. These laboratories are established with the dual objectives of accurately assessing radiation doses of workers and to monitor radioactivity level (in terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environment), especially around nuclear installations and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) producing industries. Moreover, the Labs also ensure the radioactivity levels in export items comply with the regulatory requirements.

The EM&D Labs are equipped with advanced technological equipment such as gamma beam irradiators, spectroscopic systems (alpha, beta, and gamma), gross alpha/beta counters, radon monitors and personal dose monitoring equipment making these laboratories stand at the forefront of radiation safety.

The EM&D setup comprise mainly the following laboratories:

1. Environmental Radiation Monitoring Laboratory

This Lab performs monitoring of radioactivity levels resulting from both natural and anthropogenic (man-made) sources of radiation in the country. This purpose is served through preparation of detailed sampling plans, collection and radiometric analysis of different environmental samples (e.g. soil, water, air, vegetation etc) using various radioanalytical methods based on the potential radionuclides. The Lab also conducts an independent environmental monitoring around Nuclear Installations (NIs) to ensure that the radiological emissions remain within the regulatory limits. Nine (09) air samplers have been installed to continuously monitor radioactivity levels in air near NIs and few in some other cities. To keep an eye on potential industries that might generate radioactive waste and minimize radiation exposure risks, EM&D Labs collect and analyse samples from these industries to assesses presence of NORM including Radon.

Moreover, analysis of export items is also performed to ensure that the radiation safety standards for international trade are adequately met before issuing radiation free certificates to the exporters.

2. External Dosimetry Laboratories

PNRA has also established an external dose assessment laboratory at Islamabad to assess whole-body and extremity doses of radiation workers performing duties in x-rays, gamma and beta rays radiation environment. The Lab is equipped with Thermo-Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD) Readers, whole body and extremity TLDs to ensure reliable radiation monitoring of the workers who are susceptible to radiation exposure due to external sources.

3. Internal Dosimetry Laboratories

The laboratories are established at Islamabad, Karachi and Kundian to perform internal dose assessment through direct (whole-body counters) and indirect (bioassay) methods due to internal contamination from gamma-emitting radionuclides.

4. Protection Level Calibration Laboratories

Recognizing the critical need for precise calibration in radiation monitoring and protection, EM&D Labs have also established two Tertiary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories (TSDLs) at Islamabad and Kundian. These Labs play a pivotal role in calibrating radiation monitoring equipment used by PNRA and different licensed facilities across the country so as to perform personal and workplace monitoring to ensure consistency and accuracy in radiation measurements.

Services Offered by EM&D Labs

  1. External Dose Assessment: of radiation workers, including whole body and extremity doses, through TLD (both for gamma and neutrons).
  2. Internal Dose Assessment: through Whole Body Counting.
  3. Calibration of Monitoring Equipment: Calibration of Protection Level Radiation Monitoring Equipment, used in Gamma Field.
  4. Radiometric Analysis of Export Items: Radiometric Analysis of Food and non-Food Export Items.

In order to avail the above-mentioned services, relevant application forms can be downloaded from Service Forms; and submit the duly filled in forms for formally requesting the services.

The payment of these services will be in accordance with the service charges mentioned in Regulations PAK/900 .

In addition to the primary tasks and functions, EM&D Labs also offer internships and training programs for university students in the fields of environmental monitoring and dosimetry.

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