Radiation Protection Unit

The Radiation Protection Unit performs studies in the field of radiation protection through scientific and research projects and professional activities within the public health scope.

The Unit:

• has been investigating environmental pollution with naturally occurring and fission-produced radionuclides in the Republic of Croatia since 1959;
• implements measures of radiation protection and determines the level of irradiation of population in line with the Institute’s authorisations;
• studies the mechanism of circulation of biologically important radionuclides, which may enter a living organism directly or indirectly, through the food chain or water;
• monitors and determines the movements of radioactive elements through all components of biosphere – identifies those radiologically sensitive locations and media;
• investigates natural radioactivity using the technological procedures of enhanced natural radioactivity (deposit sites of ash and slag, phosphogypsum, oil boreholes, mineral and geothermal sources);
• carries out research of fission-produced radioactivity in all media of biosphere (air, precipitation, sea, water, soil, flora and fauna, human food and animal feed, bones) and in animal and human material (bioassay);
• assesses and models the transfer of radionuclides from radioactive precipitation to humans, the risk of external irradiation, the risk of intake of radionuclides under normal conditions and during accidents, the risk of human exposure to radon in housing and working spaces;
• develops radiochemical methods, measuring methods, dosimetry models, emergency models;
• the Unit’s associates participate in education at all levels; as visiting and full time lecturers and as trainees in the field of  radiation protection

1. Determining activity of any radionuclide in any sample.

Methods used:

• High resolution gamma spectrometry
• Determination of beta activity
• determination of alpha activity
• specific radiochemical analyses (for determination of radium, strontium, polonium, plutonium, lead, tritium, carbon…)

The methodology of each individual method is defined according to internationally established procedures: HASL-300 EML procedures manual, Environmental Measurements Laboratory, US Department of Energy, New York, Revision no. 27 of 1992.

2. Determination of the ionising radiation dose in any point in space

The methods used:

• field gammaspectrometry
• field measurements with a gamma radiation detector
• thermoluminescent dosimetry
• measuring radon levels in closed and open spaces
• determination of burden from radon offspring (Working Level)