The system of monitoring and controlling natural radiation hazards in Polish coal mines

• DOI: 10.1504/ijmme.2021.119216
• Publication Date: 2021-11-30T18:08:16Z
• Authors: Małgorzata Wysocka; Krystian Skubacz; Bogusław Michalik; Stanisław Chałupnik; Jan Skowronek; Michał Bonczyk; Izabela Chmielewska; Krzysztof Samolej
• Keywords: Radium; Natural radioactivity

The problem of radiation hazards related to non-uranium mining was first recognised in the oil and gas industry, while investigations Poland started underground coal mines early 1970s. It has been revealed that main sources natural Polish are short-lived radon decay products, radium-bearing formation waters, deposits with enhanced radioactivity, precipitated out waters. These characterised by remarkably high content radium isotopes. Therefore, intense external gamma as well internal contamination. highest observed concentration brines 400 kBq/m3. In case sediments, measured 226Ra 160 kBq/kg, 228Ra 140 kBq/kg. hazard caused products became issue later on mid-1980s. monitoring protection system against all-natural exposure designed implemented legal 1989 then enforced all mines. results more than 25 years presented this article.