Investigation of radioactivity level in an open-pit coal mine in Xinjiang, China and evaluation of personnel exposure dose / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

@#<b>Objective</b> To investigate and analyze the levels of γ dose rate and radon concentration at all sites in a large open-pit coal mine with radioactivity that had been mined for many years in Xinjiang, China, and to estimate the effective dose exposed to the personnel. <b>Methods</b> A portable γ dose-rate instrument FH40G was used for fixed-point monitoring of the mining area, and a continuous radon detector was used for 24 h continuous monitoring of radon concentration level in the site. The personnel exposure dose was estimated according to the measured γ dose rate and radon concentration. <b>Results</b> In this open-pit coal mine, the range of γ dose rate was 51.4-435.8 nGy/h; the mean 24 h radon concentration was 15-25 Bq/m³; the range of annual effective dose to the personnel was 0.29-1.29 mSv/a. <b>Conclusion</b> According to the results of the survey, radon concentration levels at all sites are low, and no remedial action is required. The personnel exposure dose at most of the sites is far below the standard requirements, and some protective measures need to be taken in some areas of the dump.