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Ionising Radiation > Environmental radioactivity > Relics
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Relics
The term "legacy" in connection with enhanced natural radioactivity has so far not been defined in the legal sense. Therefore, the term "relic" will be used here. In the following an overview is given on the problem and the categories of relics from mining, industry and uranium ore mining. Please, find more detailed information on the Expert Info pages.
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Problem statement
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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. While radiation protection is ensured from the start for industrial residues since 2001 on the basis of the Radiation Protection Ordinance (StrlSchV), radiation protection measures for contaminations which have already occurred can only be taken subsequently .
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Relics
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Residues with enhanced natural radioactivity have arisen from mining or industrial activities over centuries and most of them were deposited on waste rock piles or in tailings ponds. Radiation protection aspects were not taken into account. Depending on the site and usage conditions, enhanced internal and/or external radiation exposures may require subsequent radiation protection measures for members of the public. At present, Germany does not possess a legal norm on the basis of which the owners of radiological relics can be committed to perform remediation or other measures which would reduce the radiation exposure. The following articles will give an overview of the dimension of these relics in Germany.
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FachInfothek (Compilation of technical information)
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The "FachInfothek" (compilation of technical information) is a compilation of in-depth information on the topic "Enhanced natural environmental radioactivity by human impact". The major part of the information can be downloaded. Links enable access to further information from other sources, for whose accuracy BfS does not assume responsibility, however.
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