Event Details

Session:

Should NORM Workers Give a Faecal Excretion?

Workers involved in the processing of minerals containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) may receive a radiation dose from dust inhalation. Routine exposure monitoring relies on personal air sampling (PAS), but this does not account for individual differences in work practices, hygiene and metabolism. This study re-visits past bioassay research to retrospectively update NORM intakes, compare PAS- and bioassay-derived intakes, and to assess feasibility for bioassay monitoring of current NORM workers. Application of the latest biokinetic models to bioassay data indicated that PAS under-estimates intakes. Faecal bioassay is feasible for estimating intake but may not be embraced by workers. 

Presenter:

Greg Hewson, PhD student, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University

Prior to Greg’s current PhD studies, his career involved global and executive HSE roles, where he provided technical expertise and leadership for major projects and multiple lines of business across various geographies and cultures. He was previously a senior leader in the Western Australian Mines Safety Inspectorate and was also involved in several major research studies relating to radiation safety and occupational exposures in mining operations.