Radiological Impact on Man and the Environment from the Oil and Gas Industry: Risk Assessment for the Critical Group

Abstract

Radiation exposure of workers in the oil-gas industry can occur by inhalation of high-levels of radon gas; increased gamma dose rates; increased gamma dose rate due to Ra-226, Pb-210, Ra-228, and (228Th). The waste also has elevated contents of long-lived radionuclides. Finally, the recycling of waste originating within the oil-gas industry can pose a contamination problem. The various exposure pathways and a regulatory framework are discussed with regard to their applicability to the conditions in the Caspian Region.