Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials in the oil industry (TENORM).

Abstract

Radionuclides of natural origin are present in the whole environment in which we live. It has even been suggested that the long term emission of alpha particles from natural radionuclides could be one of the possible sources of energy associated with the transformation of organic matter into petroleum [39]. In recent decades, the development of new technologies has resulted also in the production of by-products and waste with the so-called technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM). Therefore, human technical activity can increase radiation exposure, not only to the person directly involved in these activities, but also to the local or even whole population. The first evaluations of occupational radiation exposure in the oil and gas industries were reported a few decades ago [19, 32, 47]. The management of the waste from these industries containing TENORM and the evaluation of a potential radiation hazard have been the subject of continuous activity of radiological protection specialists in recent years [27, 34, 48]. If low levels of radiation are proven to be carcinogenic, or have some other detrimental effects, then current regulatory efforts must protect the public and workers. Therefore, any regulations for the optimisation of radiological protection from TENORM should take into account the additional risk over and above exposure to local natural radiation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published comprehensive radiation safety standards based on the recommendations of Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials in the oil industry (TENORM). A review Firyal Bou-Rabee, Abdallah Z. Al-Zamel, Rana A. Al-Fares, Henryk Bem