Improvement of Environmental Safety of Population in Uranium-Mining Regions Ukraine

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Improvement of Environmental Safety of Population in Uranium-Mining Regions Ukraine

Journal Title: Metallurgical and Mining Industry - Year 2018, Vol 10, Issue 2

Abstract

Objective is to increase ecological safety of population in uranium mining regions on the basis of scientific substantiation, development and introduction of rehabilitation measures for minimization of negative effects on the environment and human health from the influence of radiation factors. Methods. Radio methods (measurement of exposure dose and intensity of γ-radiation, measurement of radioactivity of γ– and β-radiation, measurement of the exposure dose rate of γ-radiation, determination of the power of absorbed dose of γ-radiation in air, analysis of natural radionuclides); statistical and mathematical methods of research using integrated system approaches were applied. Radioecological studies included measurement of the exposure dose rate of γ-radiation over the network of 100x100 m and 20x10 m (pedestrian gammagraph) in the volume of 40 km2; soil analysis on radionuclide content; sampling of water for the contents of radium and uranium; determination of the total α– and β-activity of the soil; determination of radon concentration in residential properties. Results. Radiation protection. All sources (3973 units) of ionizing radiation with a total activity of more than 15 thousand curies were removed from the city’s territory. The most polluted parts of the city with an area of more than 6 hectares were remediated. Anti-radon activities were conducted in nine schools (100%), one orphan asylum (100%) and in 11 pre-school institutions (100%) on a total area of almost 3000 m2 . Three microdistricts of the city were landscaped with a total area of almost 85 hectares. The pond in the children park was cleaned and 24 thousand m3 of radioactively contaminated soil were removed. A new modern solid domestic waste landfill was built and commissioned and other measures were taken. Social protection. Every year, almost 3,000 children receive improved nutrition in schools and pre-school institutions and 150 children are rehabilitated outside the city and in local camps. Hospitalized patients are provided with additional food. A part of the cost of medicines is refunded for more than 9 thousand requests from seriously ill patients. Dental prosthetics have been provided for 1.8 thousand people who have been working for more than 10 years at uranium mining enterprises, as well as to handicapables, labor veterans and other privileged categories. Scientific novelty. Rehabilitation measures for minimizing the negative effects for the environment and human health from the influence of radiation factors were scientifically substantiated, developed and implemented. Practical significance. It has been shown that still we have a rare positive experience in increasing the radiation and social protection of the population of Zhovti Vody, Ukraine, who live in the area of influence of uranium industry facilities

Authors and Affiliations

V. Lyaschenko, T. Lisova

Keywords

EP ID EP563029
DOI -
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