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Document ID ca-cgmnorm-2013 Title Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) URL https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-risks-safety/canadian-guidelines-management-naturally-occurring-radioactive-materials.html Jurisdiction /ca Subdomain(s) Drinking water, Wastewater treatment, Industrial water Language en Status completed Analyzed at 2026-03-19 09:35:21.368051+00:00 Relevance Technical guidelines for managing radioactive materials in industrial processes.

Q Qualitative Requirements (48)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Context Conditions Confidence
#Q001monitoringhealthrecommendedSite-specific dose assessmentdrinking water, wastewater, otherWhere doses to workers or members of the public may exceed this value, a site-specific assessment should be carried out.Doses potentially exceeding 0.3 mSv/ahigh
#Q002monitoringhealthrecommendedRadiation surveydrinking water, wastewater, otherEstimate doses to members of the public, and workers by conducting a radiation survey of the workplace/worksite. The survey should include evaluations of both gamma dose-rates and airborne radioactivity as required.When initial review indicates NORM Investigation Threshold may be exceededhigh
#Q003monitoringoperationalrecommendedPeriodic review of work site and materialsdrinking water, wastewater, otherWhere the work site, feed and waste materials are subject to change, the work site, feed and waste material should be reviewed periodically to verify that conditions have not changed.Under NORM Management Classification where site/materials are subject to changehigh
#Q004prohibitionhealthmandatoryPublic access restrictionotherPublic access would need to be restricted.NORM Management Classificationhigh
#Q005administrativehealthrecommendedDose Management Program requirementsdrinking water, wastewater, otherThe program should include: Worker notification of radiation sources. Consideration of work procedures and protective clothing to limit worker dose from NORM. Application of engineering controls where appropriate (see 4.3.3). Training to control and reduce worker dose. Introduction of a worker radiation dose estimate program... Reporting of worker doses to the National Dose Registry (NDR) through the dosimetry service providerDose Management Classificationhigh
#Q006administrativehealthrecommendedRadiation Protection Management Program implementationdrinking water, wastewater, otherIntroduce a formal radiation protection program as described in Appendix F... Place those workers estimated to exceed 5 mSv/a in a personal radiation dosimetry program meeting the requirements of S-106 revision 1, Technical and Quality Assurance Requirements for Dosimetry Services. Provide protective equipment, clothing and work procedures to reduce worker dose and the spread of contamination.Estimated annual effective dose to an occupationally exposed worker is greater than 5 mSv/ahigh
#Q007administrativeoperationalmandatoryPeriodic review of NORM programsdrinking water, wastewater, otherWhenever a NORM Management, Dose Management or Radiation Protection Management Program has been implemented, a periodic review is needed.Implementation of NORM Management, Dose Management, or Radiation Protection Management Programshigh
#Q008operationalhealthrecommendedApplication of ALARA principleotherFrom the time a NORM accumulation is expected to the implementation of a NORM Program, the ALARA principle should be the prime decision making criterion used to ensure minimal public and worker radiation dose.high
#Q009monitoringhealthrecommendedWorkplace radon assessmentotherAs radon concentration can vary considerably it is recommended that all workplaces be assessed for potential elevated levels.high
#Q010operationalhealthrecommendedRadon NORM Management controlsotherWhere the estimated annual average concentration of radon gas in an occupied area is more than 200 Bq/m3 but less than 800 Bq/m3, the NORM Classification is NORM Management. Steps to reduce this exposure should be taken and include: introduction of public and incidentally exposed worker access controls; changes in work practices; and reducing the radon concentration levels to below 200 Bq/m3.Radon gas concentration between 200 and 800 Bq/m3high
#Q011operationalhealthrecommendedEngineering control of airborne radioactive materialotherWhere annual intakes exceed 1/20 of the ALI, engineering control of the source of airborne radioactive material is the preferred management method. Controls include capture ventilation at the source to prevent escape into the air, and room ventilation rate increase.Annual intakes exceed 1/20 of the ALIhigh
#Q012administrativehealthrecommendedRespiratory protection program and access limitationsotherIf intakes exceed 25% of the ALI (equivalent to 5 mSv/a) after engineering controls are applied, a respiratory protection program and/or limiting worker access should be considered as part of the radiation protection program.Intakes exceed 25% of the ALI after engineering controlshigh
#Q013operationalhealthmandatoryRespiratory protection standards complianceotherRespiratory protection must follow the standards requirements specified for other hazardous dusts under the local jurisdiction.When utilizing respiratory protectionhigh
#Q014administrativehealthmandatoryConsideration of non-radioactive hazardsotherIn determining an acceptable material management option, other hazardous properties such as chemical toxicity must be considered.high
#Q015monitoringoperationalmandatoryNORM material shipment assessmentotherPrior to shipment, the NORM material must be assessed to determine the activity concentration.Before transporting NORM shipmentshigh
#Q016administrativeoperationalrecommendedNORM shipments subject to Canadian GuidelinesotherA transport manifest is completed and contains the descriptor "Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material - NORM". The shipment is securely packaged in a manner that effectively prevents release or redistribution of any NORM contamination during transport. The shipment has taken into account any other potential hazardous properties of the materials.Activity concentration is less than 10 times Table 6.1 value but greater than UDRLshigh
#Q017prohibitionreportingrecommendedProhibition of radioactive placards for specific NORM shipmentsotherno radioactive placards or labels should be affixed to the transport vehicle or to the exterior surfaces of the packaging.For NORM shipments subject to Canadian Guidelineshigh
#Q018administrativeoperationalmandatoryCompliance with federal transport regulationsotherShipments of NORM falling under federal jurisdiction are required to comply with the PTNSR, established by the CNSC.When shipments fall under federal jurisdictionhigh
#Q019operationalhealthmandatoryRemoval of loose surface contaminationotherLoose surface contamination must be completely removed or all accessible surfaces stripped to ensure complete removal.Prior to release of surface contaminated objectshigh
#Q020operationalhealthrecommendedRadiation Protection Program implementationotherEmployers that implement a radiation protection program should, as part of that program, keep the exposure to radon progeny and the effective dose received by and committed to persons as low as reasonably achievable through the implementation of: 1. management control over work practices; 2. personnel qualification and training; 3. control of occupational and public exposure to radiation; and 4. planning for unusual situations.Implementation of a radiation protection programhigh
#Q021monitoringhealthrecommendedAscertaining exposure to radon progeny and effective doseotherAn employer should ascertain the exposure to radon progeny and the effective dose by direct measurement as a result of monitoring; or by expert estimates.high
#Q022reportingreportingmandatoryProvision of information to occupationally exposed workersotherThe employer shall inform each occupationally exposed worker, in writing: 1. that he or she is an occupationally exposed worker; 2. of the risks associated with radiation to which the worker may be exposed in the course of his or her work, including the risks associated with the exposure of embryos and foetuses to radiation; 3. of the applicable radiation dose limits for occupationally exposed workers shown in Table 2.1; and 4. of the worker's radiation dose levels.Occupationally exposed workershigh
#Q023administrativereportingrecommendedWritten acknowledgement from occupationally exposed workersotherThe employer should obtain from each occupationally exposed worker a written acknowledgement that the worker has received this information.high
#Q024monitoringhealthrecommendedUse of licensed dosimetry serviceotherEmployers should use a dosimetry service, meeting the requirements of S-106, Technical and Quality Assurance Standards for Dosimetry Services in Canada, to measure the radiation doses to occupationally exposed workers who have a reasonable probability of receiving an effective dose greater than 5 mSv in a one-year dosimetry period.Workers have a reasonable probability of receiving an effective dose > 5 mSv/yearhigh
#Q025reportingreportingrecommendedPregnant worker notificationotherEvery occupationally exposed worker who becomes aware that she is pregnant should immediately inform the employer in writing.When an occupationally exposed worker becomes pregnanthigh
#Q026administrativehealthrecommendedEmployer accommodation for pregnant workersotherOn being informed by an occupationally exposed worker that she is pregnant, the employer should make accommodation to comply with Note (b), Table 2.1, that will not constitute undue hardship to the employer.Upon being informed of worker pregnancyhigh
#Q027corrective_actionhealthmandatoryActions when dose limit is exceededotherWhen an employer becomes aware that a dose of radiation received by and committed to a person may have exceeded an applicable dose limit shown in Table 2.1, the employer shall: 1. immediately notify the person and the Provincial Authorities of the dose; 2. require the person to leave any work that is likely to add to the dose; 3. conduct an investigation to determine the magnitude of the dose and to establish the causes of the exposure; 4. identify and take any action required to prevent the occurrence of a similar incident; and 5. within 21 days after becoming aware that the dose limit has been exceeded, report the results of the investigation to the appropriate government authority (reference Appendix B) or on the progress that has been made in conducting the investigation.When dose limits in Table 2.1 are exceededhigh
#Q028administrativereportingrecommendedLabelling of containers and devicesotherContainers that store NORM radioactive material should be labelled with: 1. the radiation warning symbol set out in Figure G-1 and the words "RAYONNEMENT - DANGER - RADIATION"; and 2. the name, quantity, date of measurement and form of the radioactive material in the container.Unless container holds NORM for immediate use or quantity is below Table 5.1 limitshigh
#Q029administrativereportingrecommendedPosting of signs at boundaries and access pointsotherThe employer should place a durable and legible sign that bears the radiation warning symbol shown in Figure G-1 and the words "RAYONNEMENT - DANGER - RADIATION", at the boundary, and at every point of access to the area, room or enclosure:When radioactive material exceeds 100 times Table 5.1 values or probability of dose rate > 25 µSv/hhigh
#Q030administrativereportingrecommendedUse of radiation warning symbolotherWhenever the radiation warning symbol is used it should be: 1. prominently displayed; 2. of an appropriate size for the size of the container to which it is attached, or of the area, room, enclosure or vehicle for which it is posted; 3. oriented with one blade pointed downward and centred on the vertical axis; 4. no wording shall be superimposed on it.high
#Q031prohibitionreportingrecommendedFrivolous posting of signs prohibitionotherA radiation warning sign should not be posted at a place where the radiation dose rate or radioactive material indicated on the sign is not present.high
#Q032administrativereportingrecommendedRecords to be kept by employerotherEvery employer should keep a record of the name and job category of each occupationally exposed worker.high
#Q033designoperationalrecommendedRadiation Protection Evaluator QualificationotherIt is strongly recommended that a person knowledgeable in radiation protection conduct the worksite radiological evaluation.During worksite radiological evaluationhigh
#Q034operationalhealthmandatoryFive-Year Average Dose ComplianceotherEnsure that workers do not exceed the five-year average occupational dose limit of 20 mSv/a.Under Measured Annual Effective Dose in Radiation Protection Managementhigh
#Q035administrativereportingrecommendedWorker Information Provision DutyotherAn occupationally exposed worker should on request of the employer provide the worker's: 1. given names, surname and any previous surname; 2. Social Insurance Number; 3. gender; 4. date, province or state and country of birth; and 5. dose record for the current one-year and five-year dosimetry periods.Upon request of the employerhigh
#Q036reportingreportingrecommendedInformation Provision to Female WorkersotherThe employer should inform each occupationally exposed female worker, in writing, of the applicable effective dose limits shown in Table 2.1.high
#Q037operationalhealthmandatoryPregnancy Effective Dose LimitotherFor the balance of a known pregnancy, the effective dose to an occupationally exposed worker must be limited to 4 mSv as stipulated in the "Radiation Protection Regulations", Canadian Nuclear Safety Act.Known pregnancy of an occupationally exposed workerhigh
#Q038monitoringhealthrecommendedElevated Radon Concentration MeasurementotherWhere the annual average concentration of radon gas is expected to be above 200 Bq/m³, measurements should be made to estimate the average annual radon gas concentration.Expected annual average radon concentration > 200 Bq/m³high
#Q039monitoringoperationalmandatoryDose Management Site AssessmentotherAssess the work site periodically to measure changes in conditions and to facilitate worker dose calculations.Under Dose Management or Radiation Protection Management classificationshigh
#Q040operationaloperationalrecommendedTimely NORM Transport to Secure SiteotherTimely transportation of NORM to a secure central site is recommended.When NORM shipments fall under federal jurisdictionhigh
#Q041designhealthrecommendedChemical Toxicity ReviewotherChemical and radiological toxicity should be reviewed prior to setting workplace exposure limits.When setting exposure limits for long-lived NORM radionuclideshigh
#Q042monitoringhealthrecommendedLong-term radon assessment in excavationsotherlong-term assessment measurements are recommended.In excavations and tunneling where there is no distinction between background radon and that introduced or released by the industrial practicehigh
#Q043operationalhealthmandatoryRespirator selection service and fitting programotherA high protection factor can only be obtained if there is an effective respirator selection, service and fitting program.When implementing a respiratory protection programhigh
#Q044administrativeunknownguidanceProvincial waste disposal agency consultationotherIt may be necessary to consult and obtain approval from Provincial waste disposal regulatory agencies regarding non-radiological properties.Regarding non-radiological properties for unrestricted release/disposalhigh
#Q045monitoringoperationalrecommendedThin window detector usageotherA thin window radiation detector is recommended when monitoring beta/gamma sources of surface contamination.monitoring beta/gamma sources of surface contaminationhigh
#Q046corrective_actionoperationalrecommendedProgram Effectiveness Reassessmentdrinking water, wastewater, otherThe retrospective finding that a dose constraint, as opposed to a dose limit, has been exceeded does not imply a failure to comply with the recommendations of the guidelines. Rather it should call for a reassessment of the effectiveness of the program.When a retrospective finding shows a dose constraint has been exceededhigh
#Q047administrativeoperationalmandatoryWorker Classification for ALI AssignmentotherTwo groups of workers must be considered in assigning ALIs: Occupationally Exposed Workers are employees who are exposed to NORM sources of radiation through their regular duties... Incidentally Exposed Workers are other employees whose regular duties do not include exposure to NORM sources of radiation.When assigning Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) for workershigh
#Q048monitoringoperationalmandatoryRadon Progeny Evaluation MethodologyotherThe only approved personal dosimetry system measures progeny concentration (J/m³), therefore dose assessment as required in a Radiation Protection Management Program must be evaluated on that basis.When performing dose assessments within a Radiation Protection Management Program for radonhigh

P Quantitative Requirements (57)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Limit Type Limit Value Context Conditions Confidence
#P001radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium-238 Series (all progeny) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement1 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Subsequent dilution of the release is assumed.high
#P002radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium-238 (U-238, Th-234, Pa-234m, U-234) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement10 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P003radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-230 - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement5 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P004radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-226 (in equilibrium with its progeny) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement5 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P005radiologicalhealthguidelineLead-210 (in equilibrium with bismuth-210 and polonium-210) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement1 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P006radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 Series (all progeny) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement1 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P007radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement1 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P008radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-228 (in equilibrium with Ac-228) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement5 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P009radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-228 (in equilibrium with all its progeny) - Aqueousdrinking water, otherrequirement1 Bq/LUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAqueous Release limits ~10x Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.high
#P010radiologicalhealthguidelineDose Constraintotherrequirement0.3 mSv/aInvestigation Threshold and Dose constraint for members of the public or incidentally exposed workersAn incremental dose of 0.3 mSv/a is adopted as the NORM Investigation Threshold.high
#P011radiologicalhealthguidelineOccupationally Exposed Workers - Annual Effective Dose Limitotherrequirement20 mSvRadiation dose limits foundation for all radiation protection program recommendationsMaximum dose of 50 mSv in one year is allowed, provided that the total effective dose of 100 mSv over a five-year period is maintained.high
#P012radiologicalhealthguidelineIncidentally Exposed Workers and Members of the Public - Annual Effective Dose Limitotherrequirement1 mSvRadiation dose limits foundation for all radiation protection program recommendationsCumulative dose limit of 5 mSv over five years.high
#P013radiologicalhealthguidelineDose Management Thresholdotherrequirement1 mSv/aThreshold for initiating Dose Management program for workersAssessed incremental dose to a worker.high
#P014radiologicalhealthguidelineRadiation Protection Management Thresholdotherrequirement5 mSv/aThreshold for initiating formal Radiation Protection Management programAssessed or measured incremental worker dose.high
#P015radiologicalhealthguidelineGamma Radiation Investigation Thresholdotherrequirement0.15 µSv/hDerived Working Limit (DWL) for gamma radiationIncremental dose-rate above off-site background.high
#P016radiologicalhealthguidelineGamma Radiation Dose Management Thresholdotherrequirement0.5 µSv/hDerived Working Limit (DWL) for gamma radiationIncremental dose-rate.high
#P017radiologicalhealthrecommendedRadon Investigation Derived Working Limitotherrequirement200 Bq/m³Screening level for workplaces to be assessed for potential elevated levelsAverage radon concentration. Unrestricted Classification applies below this level.high
#P018radiologicalhealthguidelineRadon Radiation Protection Management Thresholdotherrequirement800 Bq/m³Threshold for initiating formal Radiation Protection Management program due to radonAverage annual radon concentration.high
#P019radiologicalhealthguidelineSurface Contamination Dose Rate Limitotherrequirement0.5 µSv/hSurface Contamination Unconditional Derived Release Limits - Discrete NORM SourcesMeasured at 50 cm distance.high
#P020radiologicalhealthguidelineSurface Contamination Activity Limitotherrequirement1 Bq/cm²Surface Contamination Unconditional Derived Release Limits - Discrete NORM SourcesAveraged over a 100 cm² area.high
#P021radiologicalhealthguidelineOccupationally Exposed Workers - Five Year Cumulative Dose Limitotherrequirement100 mSvRadiation dose limits for five year cumulative periodsTotal effective dose over a five-year period.high
#P022radiologicalhealthguidelineIncidentally Exposed Workers and Members of the Public - Five Year Cumulative Dose Limitotherrequirement5 mSvRadiation dose limits for five year cumulative periodsTotal effective dose over a five-year period.high
#P023radiologicalhealthmandatoryPregnant Occupationally Exposed Worker - Effective Dose Limitotherrequirement4 mSvDose limit for the balance of a known pregnancyApplies for the duration of the pregnancy once known to the employer.high
#P024radiologicalreportingrecommendedRadiation Warning Sign Posting Thresholdotherrequirement> 25 µSv/hRequirement for posting durable and legible radiation warning signsReasonable probability that a person in the area will be exposed to this rate.high
#P025radiologicaloperationalmandatorySCO Non-fixed Contamination Limit - Beta/Gamma/Low Toxicity Alphaotherrequirement< 0.4 Bq/cm²Exemption criteria from PTNSR for Surface Contaminated Objects (SCO)Averaged over each 300 cm² of all surfaces.high
#P026radiologicaloperationalmandatorySCO Non-fixed Contamination Limit - Other Alpha Emittersotherrequirement< 0.04 Bq/cm²Exemption criteria from PTNSR for Surface Contaminated Objects (SCO)Averaged over each 300 cm² of all surfaces.high
#P027radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium-238 Series (all progeny) - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement300 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentration.high
#P028radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium-238 Series (all progeny) - Airborne Diffuse NORMotherrequirement0.003 Bq/m³Unconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAir concentration.high
#P029radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium Ore - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement1000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete sourcesUranium ore in equilibrium with all progeny.high
#P030radiologicalhealthguidelineRadon Radiation Protection Management Upper Limitotherrequirement3000 Bq/m³Upper boundary of Radiation Protection Management for radon based on occupational dose limit (5 year average)Assumes 2000 hours per year occupational exposure and equilibrium factor of 0.4high
#P031radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium-238 (partitioned) - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement10000 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentration for partitioned U-238 (U-238, Th-234, Pa-234m, U-234)high
#P032radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-230 - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement10000 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentrationhigh
#P033radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-226 (in equilibrium) - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement300 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentrationhigh
#P034radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-226 (in equilibrium) - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement10000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete sourcesTotal activity of Radium-226 in equilibrium with its progenyhigh
#P035radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 (in equilibrium) - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement1000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete sourcesTotal activity of Thorium-232 in equilibrium with all progenyhigh
#P036radiologicalhealthguidelineLead-210 Occupational ALI - Inhalationotherrequirement18000 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on 5 µm AMAD and absorption type Fhigh
#P037radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-226 Occupational ALI - Ingestionotherrequirement71000 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on fraction f1 = 0.2high
#P038radiologicalhealthguidelineOccupationally Exposed Workers - Maximum Single Year Effective Doseotherrequirement50 mSvAnnual limit for occupationally exposed workers in any single yearTotal effective dose of 100 mSv over a five-year period must be maintained.high
#P039radiologicalhealthguidelinePotassium-40 - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement17000 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesBased on natural abundance of Potassium 40 in potassium chloride.high
#P040radiologicalhealthguidanceRadon-222 Progeny Dose Conversion Factorotherrequirement5 mSv/WLMConversion factor from Working Level Months to millisieverts for workersSpecific to Radon-222 progeny; Radon-220 progeny must be treated separately.high
#P041radiologicaloperationalmandatoryActivity Concentration for Exempt Material - U-(nat)otherrequirement1 Bq/gBasic NORM Radionuclide Values for transport exemptionShipments are subject to federal regulations if activity concentration exceeds 10 times this value.high
#P042radiologicalhealthguidelineLead-210 Occupational ALI - Ingestionotherrequirement29000 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on fraction f1 = 0.2high
#P043radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-228 Occupational ALI - Inhalation (Type S)otherrequirement600 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on 5 µm AMAD and absorption type S (Slow)high
#P044radiologicalhealthguidelineUranium (all progeny) Occupational ALI - Inhalationotherrequirement2800 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed Workers from AECB 1995Mixed lung absorption types assumedhigh
#P045radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement10000 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentration for Thorium-232high
#P046radiologicalhealthguidelinePotassium-40 - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement1000000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete sourcesTotal activity of Potassium-40high
#P047operationaltreatmentrecommendedInhalation Engineering Control Thresholdotherrequirement> 0.05 ALIThreshold for implementing engineering controls for airborne NORMWhen annual intakes exceed 1/20 of the ALIhigh
#P048operationalhealthguidanceRespiratory Protection Thresholdotherrequirement> 5 mSv/aThreshold for considering respiratory protection programsIf intakes exceed 25% of the ALI after engineering controls are appliedhigh
#P049radiologicalreportingrecommendedRadiation Warning Sign Posting Quantity Thresholdotherrequirement> 100 multiplierThreshold for posting radiation warning signs based on material activityRadioactive material present in an activity greater than 100 times Table 5.1 valueshigh
#P050radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 Series (all progeny) - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement300 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentration for the entire Thorium-232 decay series in equilibrium.high
#P051radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 Series (all progeny) - Airborne Diffuse NORMotherrequirement0.002 Bq/m³Unconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAir concentration for the entire Thorium-232 decay series in equilibrium.high
#P052radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-228 (in equilibrium with Ac-228) - Solid Diffuse NORMotherrequirement300 Bq/kgUnconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesSolid material concentration.high
#P053radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-228 (in equilibrium with Ac-228) - Airborne Diffuse NORMotherrequirement0.005 Bq/m³Unconditional Derived Release Limits - Diffuse NORM SourcesAir concentration.high
#P054radiologicalhealthguidelineLead-210 (in equilibrium) - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement10000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete NORM sourcesIn equilibrium with bismuth-210 and polonium-210.high
#P055radiologicalhealthguidelineRadium-228 (in equilibrium) - Discrete NORM Sourceotherrequirement100000 BqUnconditional Derived Release Limits for discrete NORM sourcesIn equilibrium with actinium-228.high
#P056radiologicalhealthguidelinePolonium-210 Occupational ALI - Ingestionotherrequirement83000 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on fraction f1 = 0.1high
#P057radiologicalhealthguidelineThorium-232 Occupational ALI - Inhalation (Type M)otherrequirement700 BqAnnual Limit on Intake for Occupationally Exposed WorkersBased on 5 µm AMAD and absorption type M (Moderate).high

D Definitions (88)

Req ID Category Name Context Confidence
#D001ALARAAn acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable", social and economic factors being taken into account. ALARA is a guiding principle in radiation protection, and encourages managers to reduce dose levels as much as possible, even if they are already meeting allowable levels.high
#D002ALIAnnual Limit on Intakehigh
#D003BEIR(United States National Academy of Science Committee on the) Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiationhigh
#D004CNSCCanadian Nuclear Safety Commission is the federal agency that licenses and regulates nuclear facilities and materials. The CNSC is the successor to the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB).high
#D005DCDose Coefficienthigh
#D006DRLDerived Release Limithigh
#D007DWLDerived Working Limithigh
#D008IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agencyhigh
#D009ICRPInternational Commission on Radiological Protectionhigh
#D010NCRPNational Council on Radiation Protection and Measurementshigh
#D011NDRNational Dosimetry Registryhigh
#D012NORMNaturally Occurring Radioactive Materialhigh
#D013PTNSRPacking and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulationshigh
#D014SCOSurface Contaminated Objecthigh
#D015TDGRTransportation of Dangerous Goods Regulationshigh
#D016TENORMTechnologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materialhigh
#D017UDRLUnconditional Derived Release Limithigh
#D018UNSCEARUnited Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiationhigh
#D019NORMNORM is an acronym for naturally occurring radioactive materials, which include radioactive elements found in the environment.high
#D020Effective DoseThe ICRP defines the effective dose as the sum of all tissue equivalent doses multiplied by the appropriate tissue weighting factors associated with each respective tissue.high
#D021Occupationally Exposed WorkersOccupationally Exposed Workers are employees who are exposed to NORM sources of radiation as a result of their regular duties.high
#D022Incidentally Exposed WorkersIncidentally Exposed Workers are employees whose regular duties do not include exposure to NORM sources of radiation.high
#D023Members of the PublicMembers of the Public are persons who have no occupational exposure to NORM.high
#D024Surface contaminated object (SCO)A surface contaminated object (SCO) is a solid object which is not itself radioactive but which has radioactive material distributed on its surface.high
#D025Low toxicity alpha emittersLow toxicity alpha emitters are: natural uranium, depleted uranium, uranium-235 or uranium-238, thorium 232, thorium -228 and thorium-230 when contained in ores or physical and chemical concentrates, or alpha emitters with a half life less than 10 days.high
#D026Absorbed DoseThe mean energy deposited by ionizing radiation per unit mass of the body or organ or tissue of the body. Unit: gray (Gy), 1 Gy = 1 joule per kilogram.high
#D027Activity (Radioactivity)The number of nuclear transformations that occur in a quantity of material per unit of time. Unit: becquerel (Bq), 1 Bq = 1 disintegration per second.high
#D028Alpha Radiation (Alpha Decay)A high-energy positively charged particle ejected from the nucleus of an unstable (radioactive) atom, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus.high
#D029Annual Limit on Intake (ALI)The intake by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin of a given radionuclide in a year by a reference man which would result in a committed dose equal to the relevant dose limit. The ALI is expressed in units of activity.high
#D030Background RadiationThe radiation to which an individual is exposed arising from natural radiation sources such as terrestrial radiation from radionuclides in the soil, cosmic radiation from space, and naturally occurring radionuclides deposited in the body from foods, etc.high
#D031Becquerel (Bq)An SI unit of radioactivity, equivalent to 1 nuclear transformation per second. Used as a measurement of the quantity of a radionuclide since the number of radioactive transformations (disintegrations) is directly proportional to the number of atoms of the radionuclide present. Replaces an earlier unit, the curie (Ci).high
#D032Beta Radiation (Beta Decay)The ejection of a high-energy negatively charged subatomic particle from the nucleus of an unstable atom. A beta particle is identical in mass and charge to an electron.high
#D033Contamination (Radioactive Contamination)Radioactive material present in excess of natural background quantities in a place it is not wanted.high
#D034Committed DoseThe total dose received from a radioactive substance in the body during the remainder of a person's life (assumed as 50 years for adults, 70 years for children) following the intake of the radionuclide.high
#D035Curie (Ci)A unit of activity equivalent to 3.7 x 10 10 disintegrations per second. Replaced in international usage by the becquerel.high
#D036Decay (Radioactive Decay)A process followed by an unstable nucleus to gain stability by the release of energy in the form of particles and/or electromagnetic radiation. NORM materials decay with the release of alpha particles, beta particles and/or gamma photons.high
#D037Derived Working Limit (DWL)A practical working limit derived from regulatory limits. Derived Working Limits can be compared to measured values at the work site to assess compliance with regulatory limits.high
#D038Diffuse NORMNORM-contaminated material in which the radioactive concentration is uniformly dispersed. It is generally low in radioactive concentration, and relatively large in volume.high
#D039Discrete NORMNORM-contaminated material in which radioactive substances are concentrated, or not uniformly dispersed throughout the material. It generally has much higher levels of radioactive concentration in a localized volume than diffuse NORM.high
#D040Dose ConstraintAn upper bound on the annual dose that members of the public or incidentally exposed workers should receive from a planned operation or single source.high
#D041DosimeterA device for measuring a dose of radiation that is worn or carried by an individual.high
#D042Equilibrium (Radioactive)In a radioactive decay series, the state that prevails when the rate at which progeny are produced is equal to the rate at which they are decaying. This form of equilibrium may be attained only if the precursor is very long-lived relative to any member of the decay chain. All members of a NORM radioactive decay series in equilibrium have the same radioactivity.high
#D043Equivalent DoseThe absorbed dose multiplied by a "radiation weighting factor", (w R), which accounts for the different potential for adverse effects of the different types of radiation. Unit: sievert (Sv).high
#D044Gamma Radiation (Gamma Rays or Gamma Photons)Electromagnetic radiation or photon energy emitted from an unstable nucleus in the process of ridding itself of excess energy. Highly penetrating, gamma rays lose energy as they pass through atoms of matter.high
#D045Gray (Gy)Radiation damage is dependent on the absorption of radiation energy and is approximately proportional to the concentration of absorbed energy in tissue. The gray is the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose corresponding to the absorption of 1 joule of radiation energy per kilogram of material. For gamma and beta radiations, the gray is numerically equal to the sievert.high
#D046GroundshineRadiation detectable on the earth's surface from radioactive substances on or beneath the surface.high
#D047Half-life, BiologicalThe time required for the body to eliminate half the quantity of a substance taken into the body. A major factor in determining a radionuclide's Dose Coefficient.high
#D048Half-life, RadioactiveThe time required for a radioactive material to lose half of its activity through radioactive decay.high
#D049Incremental DoseRadiation dose found in excess of the local background radiation dose.high
#D050Personal Dosimetry ThresholdThe annual effective dose above which radiation dosimetry of individual workers is required.high
#D051Phosphogypsum StackPhosphogypsum stack refers to the storing of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of fertilizer production, in large outdoor stockpiles.high
#D052RadA historical radiation unit for measuring radiation energy absorption (dose), equivalent to 100 ergs per gram in any medium. RAD is an acronym for Radiation Absorbed Dose. Now replaced in international system of units by the "gray" (Gy).high
#D053Radiation Weighting Factor (w R)A value recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, and usually adopted by national regulatory agencies, to convert absorbed dose from various types of ionizing radiation into its dose equivalent in terms of biological harm from alpha, beta or gamma radiation. For gamma rays and beta particles, w R = 1. For alpha particles and fast neutrons, w R = 20.high
#D054Radiochemical AnalysisAnalysis of the radioactive content of a NORM sample. Radiochemical analysis will identify and quantify the concentration of various radionuclides in the NORM sample.high
#D055Radionuclide or RadioisotopeA particular form of an element, characterized by a specific atomic mass and atomic number, whose atomic nucleus is unstable and decays or disintegrates with a statistical probability characterized by its physical half-life.high
#D056RadonThe only radioactive gas generated during natural radioactive decay processes. Two radioisotopes of radon are present - radon and thoron - each a decay product of radium. Radon (Rn-222) is found in the uranium decay series while thoron (Rn-220) is found in the thorium decay series.high
#D057RemA historical unit of human dose equivalent. Rem is an acronym for roentgen equivalent man and was replaced in 1977 by the sievert in the international system of units.high
#D058Roentgen (R)The classical unit of radiation ionization in air, frequently misapplied as a unit of exposure in humans. Replaced in international system of units by the "coulomb per kg in air".high
#D059ShieldingThe reduction of radiation beam intensity by interposing, between the source and an object or person that might be exposed, a substance that absorbs radiation energy, either by collision, in the case of particulate radiation, or by absorption of waveform energy, in the case of gamma photons.high
#D060SI (Systeme Internationale)The "metric" system of units generally based on the metre/kilogram/second units. Special quantities for radiation include the becquerel, gray and sievert.high
#D061Sievert (Sv)The sievert is the unit of radiation equivalent dose, H, that is used for radiation protection purposes, for engineering design criteria and for legal and administrative purposes. The sievert is the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose in living organisms modified by radiation type and tissue weighting factors. The unit of dose for the terms "equivalent dose" and "effective dose". It replaces the classical radiation unit the rem. Multiples of sieverts (Sv) used in the Guidelines include millisieverts (mSv) and microsieverts (µSv).high
#D062Specific Activity (Radioactive Concentration)The number of becquerels per unit of mass of a material. Units: Bq/g and kBq/kghigh
#D063Tissue Weighting Factor (w T)A weighting factor developed by the ICRP that assigns a relative share of total radiation dose detriment to specific organs and tissues. Risks from localized radiation exposures to specific organs and tissues can be quantified.high
#D064Unconditional Derived Release Limits (UDRL)Within the Unrestricted classification, the radioactive activity of NORM below which NORM can be released into the public domain without restrictions.high
#D065Working Level (WL)A unit for potential alpha energy concentration, (PAEC), resulting from the presence of radon progeny equal to the emission of 1.3 x 10 5 MeV of alpha energy per litre of air. In SI units the WL corresponds to 2.08 x 10 -5 joules per cubic metre (J/m³).high
#D066Working Level Month (WLM)A measure of the cumulative exposure to radon progeny in air. One Working Level Month is defined as the exposure received by an individual inhaling air containing a radon progeny concentration of one WL for a period of 170 hours, the assumed number of hours in a working month. One working level month is equivalent to 3.54 mJ h m -3.high
#D067Atomic NumberThe number of protons contained in the nucleus of an atom. This number gives each atom its distinct chemical identity.high
#D068Atomic Mass (Mass Number)The total mass of protons and neutrons contained in the nucleus of an atom.high
#D069Balance of PregnancyThe period from the moment an employer is informed of the pregnancy to the end of the pregnancy.high
#D070Decay Series (Radioactive Decay Series)A succession of radionuclides, each member of which transforms by radioactive decay into the next member until a stable nuclide results. The first member is called the "parent", the intermediate members are called "progeny" and the final stable member is called the "end product". In the two NORM decay series; uranium-238 and thorium-232 are the "parents," and lead-206 and lead-208 are the "end products".high
#D071Five Year Dosimetry PeriodThe period of five calendar years beginning on January 1 of the year following the year in which the Radiation Protection Management Program is started, and every period of five calendar years thereafter.high
#D072One-year Dosimetry PeriodThe period of one calendar year beginning on January 1 of the year following the year in which the Radiation Protection Management Program is started, and every period of one calendar year thereafter.high
#D073Radon ProgenyThe products of radon (radon-222) or thoron (radon-220) decay with short half-lives. Radon decay products include; Polonium-218 (RaA), Lead-214 (RaB), Bismuth-214 (RaC), and Polonium-214 (RaC'). Thoron decay products include; Polonium-216 (ThA), Lead-212 (ThB), Bismuth-212 (ThC), Polonium-212 (ThC'), and Thallium-208 (ThC")high
#D074IsotopesAtoms of an element that have different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes of that element, though they all behave chemically the same way.high
#D075Nuclear DisintegrationIn isotopes of some elements, however, the balance of protons and neutrons in the atom makes the atom unstable, so it ejects one or more particles and excess energy from the nucleus to become more stable. This process is called nuclear disintegration.high
#D076Ionizing RadiationThe particles or high-energy rays are called "ionizing radiation" because they ionize, or change the physical and chemical structure of, other atoms of matter they pass through.high
#D077RadioactiveElements that emit ionizing radiation are called radioactive; in some cases, one or more isotopes of an element are radioactive, and are called radioisotopes, or radionuclides.high
#D078Half-lifeThe half-life is the length of time it takes for half of a substance's atoms to 'decay' to a more stable form, or to reduce the radioactivity by half.high
#D079DCA factor that relates the amount of radiation dose (Sv) delivered to the body per unit of activity (becquerel) taken into the body. Unit: (Sv/Bq).high
#D080BecquerelThe becquerel (Bq) measures the quantity of radioactivity present without consideration for what kind of radiation is emitted. 1 Bq = 1 nuclear transformation (disintegration) per second.high
#D081SievertThe sievert (Sv) is the unit of Effective Dose of radiation, and accounts for the total effect of different types of radiation on different parts of the body.high
#D082JustificationNo activity involving ionizing radiation for any purpose can be justified unless it is possible to demonstrate that it will lead to a positive net benefit.high
#D083OptimizationAll exposures shall be kept as low as reasonably achievable, economic and social factors being taken into consideration (the ALARA principle).high
#D084LimitationThe maximum acceptable occupational exposure of any individual must not involve a radiation risk to that individual greater than the risk that arises in working in what is generally regarded as a "safe" industry.high
#D085Investigation ThresholdAn incremental dose of 0.3 mSv/a, the dose constraint value set in section 2.4.3, is adopted as the NORM Investigation Threshold.high
#D086NORM Management ThresholdAn assessed incremental dose to the public or workers of greater than 0.3 mSv/a, the dose constraint value set in section 2.4.3 and the Investigation Threshold, is adopted as the NORM Management Threshold.high
#D087Dose Management ThresholdAn assessed incremental dose of 1 mSv/a to a worker is adopted as the Dose Management Threshold.high
#D088Radiation Protection Management ThresholdAn assessed or measured incremental worker dose of 5 mSv/a is adopted as the Radiation Protection Management Threshold.high