UAE radiation levels low compared to other countries
Radiation levels in the UAE are very low compared to most countries, a radiological monitoring report has shown.
The radiation — measured in gamma dose rates — is highest in the mountainous areas near the UAE border with Oman, as well as some parts of Al Dhafra region, and it is lowest near the coastlines, according to the report developed by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
This is the first baseline report by FANR since it was established in 2009 to monitor and regulate nuclear activity in the country. It will be used as a comparative measure once the nuclear plant in Barakah begins operations, Ameena Abdouli, manager of the environment lab and infrastructure at FANR, told Gulf News.
“The samples used for this report were collected between January 1 and December 31, 2015. We will soon launch other reports using samples from subsequent years, and all these reports using data from before the plant begins operations will be considered as representing baselines levels,” Abdouli said.
“We want to reassure residents because our data shows very safe levels of radiation in the UAE. This and all other radiological monitoring reports are available online to everyone, in our bid for a transparent system that will be followed even as the country begins producing peaceful nuclear power,” she added.
The radiological report was officially launched last month, and discussed with the press at a meeting yesterday.
Monitoring safety
As detailed in the baseline report, samples were collected by 17 monitoring stations. There were 78 samples of soil, water, cucumber and date palm fruit collected and analysed in the laboratory. In addition, more than 513,000 individual measurements of gamma dose rates were collected from a network of gamma monitoring stations, while 628 measurements were obtained using a portable high pressure ion chamber.
None of the radiation levels detected, both from natural sources like soil and water and from man-made sources like medical equipment, exceeded FANR-regulated levels, which were set by referring to countries with operational nuclear plants.
Radiation is all around us, and it is only dangerous if it exceeds certain levels, the official added. “This is why FANR’s primary goal is to monitor these levels, and regulate them in a manner that protects residents and the environment,” Abdouli said.
If levels are exceeded, FANR has a system in place to analyse why, and to take any protective action if required, including evacuation of residents, said Rodrigo Salkinas, senior specialist for emergency preparedness and response at FANR’s radiation safety department.