Navigation and service

Enhanced natural environmental radioactivity by human impact

  • Natural radiation exposure is essentially caused by radionuclides which occur in the uranium-238, uranium-235 and thorium-232 decay chains and are found in the earth's crust.
  • Higher concentrations of these radionuclides (compared to the geogenic level) can be released into the environment in particular through mining activities but also through the processing of raw materials.
  • The field of radioactive relics for the first time is included in the new Radiation Protection Law - Strahlenschutzgesetz and regulations concerning liabilities and measures required are defined.

Waste Rock pile (recultivated) (Picture has long description) Recultivated waste rockRecultivated waste rock pile in a uranium mining area

Radionuclides which occur in the uranium-238, uranium-235 and thorium-232 decay chains are found in the earth's crust. Natural radiation exposure is essentially caused by them. Higher concentrations of these radionuclides (compared to the geogenic level) can be released into the environment in particular through mining activities but also through the processing of raw materials.

While radiation protection is ensured from the start for industrial residues since 2001 already on the basis of the Radiation Protection Ordinance (StrlSchV) and since 2017 based on the Radiation Protection Law, radiation protection measures for contaminations which have already occurred can only be taken subsequently.

Occurrence

Ores have increased levels of radionuclides - especially uranium ore. This occurs most importantly in ores of the uranium deposits in Saxony and Thuringia, but it is also valid for deposits of silver, copper, tin and other resources in different German regions, for example the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge).

Other raw materials with enhanced concentrations of natural radionuclides, such as bauxite and phosphate ores, have been imported on a large scale.

Accumulation in residues during conditioning and processing

During conditioning and processing of raw materials with enhanced concentrations of natural radionuclides these radionuclides may accumulate in the residues (including sludges, slags, dusts, ashes, incrustations).

Their concentrations may thus increase considerably compared to the geogenic level. Therefore they must be taken into account from the radiation protection point of view.

Radioactive relics

View from a recultivated waste rock pile from uranium ore mining to nearby residential areas. View of neighbouring residential areas from a recultivated waste rock pileView from a reclaimed legacy of uranium ore mining. These waste rock piles may reach close to residential areas.

In the past such residues were deposited on waste heaps or in tailings ponds or even further utilised because people were unaware of - or, in some cases, ignored - the enhanced radioactivity contained therein. Dissolved radionuclides or solid residues can be released through seepage but also through accidents, such as dam failures in tailings ponds, and in the worst case accumulate in river sediments or on alluvial soils.

Partly, former industrial sites of residues with enhanced natural radionuclide concentration were covered with buildings. Depending on the site and usage conditions such contaminations may, in individual cases, cause radiation exposures to members of the public which require subsequent protection measures.

The field of radioactive relics for the first time is included in the current Radiation Protection Law (Strahlenschutzgesetz - in German only) and regulations concerning liabilities and measures required are defined.

State of 2023.06.01

How do you rate this article?

Site information and functions

© Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz