Programs of radiation protection are implemented with the aim of assessment of doses to Lithuanian population, evaluation of possible impact of radiation, identification of measures needed for optimized radiation protection. The Radiation Protection Centre implements programs of different size, complexity and duration.

 

Recently programs with the aim of assessment of doses to members of public due to foodstuff, drinking water, natural radioactivity, internal and external doses to radiation workers, doses to patients are performed.

 

Radiological monitoring of foodstuff and drinking water is performed according to the Commission Recommendation 2000/473/EURATOM of 8 June 2000 on the application of Article 36 of the Euratom Treaty concerning the monitoring of the levels of radioactivity in the environment for the purpose of assessing the exposure of the population as a whole. The Radiation Protection Centre performs radiological monitoring of mixed diet, milk and water. Monitoring of mixed diet is done with the aim of determination of concentrations of artificial radionuclides such as Cs¹³⁷ and Sr⁹⁰. Concentrations of natural radionuclides are also recorded. Samples of meat, fish, vegetables and cereals are analyzed. Cooked food is also sampled for measurements. Concentrations of natural and artificial alpha and beta radionuclides and tritium are investigated in drinking water. Water both from individual wells and central water supply systems is analyzed.

 

The data of monitoring are presented to all the interested institutions and society. They are also supplied to the data basis of EC.

 

Program “Assessment of impact of radon and construction materials to exposure of members of public” comprises of three parts: evaluation of concentrations of radon in drinking water of Lithuanian karst region, investigations of indoor radon concentrations in different regions and assessment of doses due to indoor radon, investigations and modeling of doses due to radionuclides in construction materials.

 

This program will provide an information on the main sources of natural exposure and peculiarities which shall be taken into account when radiation protection measures are to be taken.

 

Program “Measurements of doses received by patients in diagnostic radiology” comprises of the following parts: assessment of patients’ doses in diagnostic radiography, measurements and assessment of patients’ doses in fluoroscopy, assessment of computed tomography dose index.

 

This program is devoted to assessment of one of the most important sources of medical exposure – diagnostic radiology. Its task is identification of areas where doses received by patients shall be decreased. Reference levels of medical exposure are be used for this.

 

Program devoted to assessment of internal occupational exposure has the following parts: assessment of internal exposure of workers which work with unsealed sources and intercomparisons of measurements of doses with the whole body counter (with Ignalina NPP).

 

Radiation Protection Centre starts an assessment of internal exposure by means of whole body counting. The program mainly directed to establishment of national system of assessment of internal occupational exposure and creation of quality assurance system in it.

 

In co-operation with the SSI (Swedish Radiation Protection Authority) the study of the radiological consequences of releases of radionuclides from the Institute of Oncology in Vilnius is performed. The objective of the project is to assist the Radiation Protection Centre in the assessment of radiation doses to workers and the public from routine releases of radionuclides from the Institute of Oncology in Vilnius. The endpoints of the assessments will include doses to workers at the hospital and at the sewage plant. The assessment of doses to the public will cover all possible exposure pathways connected to releases from the sewage plant, i.e. releases to the water recipient and usage of the produced sludge. The assessment will also include a comparison of the radiological doses of the current practice by retaining the radionuclides in hold-up tanks versus the option of a continuous not-delayed release of the radionuclides to the sewage system. The project will provide methodologies and tools for assessment of the radiological consequences of releases, including accidental releases.

 

Program „Determination of the liklihood of distribution of indoor radon and its daughter products in Lithuania and additional public exposure governed by them in 2007-2008”

Investigations of indoor radon problem in Lithuania are carried out by the Radiation Protection Centre sine 1995.
The results show that in some areas indoor radon concentrations might be relatively high. The main source of indoor radon is soil, and in some cases construction materials might be an important source of exposure.
It urges to evaluate indoor radon related situation as precisely as possible and plan the measures for optimization of protection from exposure due to indoor radon.
It is planned to identify areas where an increased exposure due to indoor radon is possible, perform measurements of indoor radon concentrations and their variations, estimate radon risk in selected areas, assess situation related with indoor radon exposure, inform public on problem of indoor radon.

Program „Protection from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in 2007-2008”

NORM in some cases might be an important source of exposure. Worldwide investigations, done within last years, show that NORM may cause high doses of workers and members of public.
Lithuania also takes the necessary steps in creation of system of protection from NORM. It is necessary to identify an importance of this problem, evaluate exposure doses and pathways, identify radiation protection measures.
The appropriate program started in 2007. Its aims are: identification of areas where an increased exposure from NORM is possible, measurements of concentrations of NORM in different samples, evaluation of situation, preparation of recommendations on optimization of radiation protection, public information.

Program of preventive measures ensuring public and environmental radiation protection against unjustified exposure, the reason for which are (might be) high activity and orphan sources, 2007-2008

Sources of ionizing radiation of high exposure might be potentially dangerous if they are dealt with improperly. Such preventive measures as training of concerned persons in radiation protection and physical security of sources, public information, search for lost sources shall be carried out.
The appropriate program was started in 2007. Its aim is strengthening of measures of protection of humans and environment from exposure due to lost sources and preparation for rapid and coordinated response to threats due to these sources.
The following tasks will solved: assurance that sources of high activity are used and transported properly, control of radioactive contamination of metal scrap in the scrap yards and spots where orphan source might occur, radiation protection training of persons whose work is related with detection of orphan sources, evaluation of areas and objects where lost sources might be found, preparedness for possible terrorist actions.