Occupational and Environmental Radiation Protection
Radiological Protection of people and the environment
Protecting workers and the public from unnecessary exposure to radiation
To strengthen radiation protection capabilities at the national level and to provide high-quality research, technology services, technical support and assistance, the Radiation Protection Division of the IRD works in an integrated manner through cooperation with Brazilian government and private institutions as well as international organizations. The division operates radiochemistry, radiometry, mass spectrometry, radiocarbon dating and radon laboratories and also strives for excellence in the education and training of professionals and students of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees and postdoctoral researchers.
A R E A S O F E X P E R T I S E
- Analysis of radionuclides and stable elements in environmental and occupational samples;
- Analysis of radionuclides in products exported or imported by Brazil;
- Application of isotope techniques for evaluation of water resources;
- Assessment of environmental and occupational exposure due to radon;
- Radiological Surveys of large contaminated areas and development of protocols for site remediation;
- Designing, planning and conducting preoperational and operational environmental and occupational monitoring programs;
- Assessment of radiation exposures to the public and workers due to nuclear and conventional facility operations;
- Coordinating the national inter-laboratory comparison program of radionuclide determination in environmental samples (PNI) together with the Metrology Division;
- Operation of an International Monitoring System Radionuclide laboratory of the Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO);
- Technical and scientific support to the brazilian competent authorities and regulatory bodies for the nuclear and radioactive facilities;
- Modelling the migration and accumulation of radionuclides in the environment;
- Conduction of epidemiological studies on risk assessment due to environmental and occupational radiation exposure;
- Development of tools for supporting decision makers (database, risk projection calculator);
- Education and training in radiation protection for professionals and undergraduate and graduate students by academic advising, courses and practical training in the field of radiological protection of the public and workers.
*An adequate infrastructure and high-quality technical support are made available for training professionals and undergraduate and graduate students.