Modelling and Analysis the Cancer Incidence and Mortality Risks for Occupationally Workers with TE-NORM
Pages : 400-410, DOI: https://doi.org/10.14741/ijmcr/v.13.4.4Download PDF
In many industrial fields, a significant number of workers are regularly faces elevated doses of natural background radiation. Uncontrolled handling of Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TE-NORM) can lead to environmental pollution and serious health hazards. These dangers can be mitigated by applying effective control measures, including identifying NORM presence, decontaminating equipment, adopting safe waste disposal practices, and prioritizing worker safety. This study is dedicated to assess the excess cancer risk—both relative and absolute—linked to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation across different industries, utilizing the BEIR VII risk model. The results indicate that all analyzed TE-NORM samples exceed recommended safety limits. In particular, petroleum scale and sludge samples show annual effective dose levels that go beyond occupational exposure thresholds, while other TE-NORM samples remain within permissible safety standards. The findings confirm that individuals handling TE-NORM, especially in oil-related industries, face an unavoidable risk of cancer, emphasizing the need to classify them as occupational radiation workers. This research highlights the importance of applying essential radiation protection principles through effective safety measures in industrial settings. Controlling exposure and conducting thorough dosimetry assessments are crucial aspects of a comprehensive health and safety program
Keywords: BEIR VII risk model, TE-NORM waste, radiological hazards, risk analysis