Development of standard methods for activity measurement of natural radionuclides in waterworks as basis for dose and risk assessment-First results of an Austrian study

A comprehensive study with the aim to evaluate the risks due to radiation exposure for workers in water supply is conducted in 21 Austrian waterworks. The development of standard methods for the assessment of occupational exposure of water work staff is a part of this study. Preliminary results of this study show a wide range of Rn-222 activity concentration in waterworks with values from (28±10) Bq/m3 to (38,000±4000) Bq/m3. Also seasonal variations of the Rn-222 activity concentration could be observed.