Peter Bossew

Bio: Peter Bossew is an academic researcher from University of Salzburg. The author has contributed to research in topics: Radon & Medicine. The author has an hindex of 28, co-authored 86 publications receiving 2517 citations.

Handbook of Parameter Values for the Prediction of Radionuclide Transfer in Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments

Abstract: For many years, the IAEA has published materials aimed at supporting the assessment of radiation impacts on human beings and the environment. Two major publications, Sediment Kd s and Concentration Factors for Radionuclides in the Marine Environment (Technical Reports Series No. 247), published in 1985, and the Handbook of Parameter Values for the Prediction of Radionuclide Transfer in Temperate Environments (Technical Reports Series No. 364), published in 1994, together provided a full set of available transfer parameter values for the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. For many years, these two publications have served as key references for radioecologists, modellers and authorities, providing data for use in environmental impact assessments. Since the publication of these two collections of data, a number of publications on transfer parameter values have been produced and merit consideration. Therefore, in 2000 the IAEA initiated a revision of Technical Reports Series No. 247 which resulted in the publication, in 2004, of Sediment Distribution Coefficients and Concentration Factors for Biota in the Marine Environment (Technical Reports Series No. 422), covering newly obtained data as well as changes in the regulatory framework. In 2003, within the framework of the Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety (EMRAS) programme, the IAEA undertook a revision of Technical Reports Series No. 364. The current publication was prepared by the members of Working Group 1 of the EMRAS programme, chaired by P. Calmon (IRSN, France). This publication focuses on transfer parameter values; the models in which they are used generally are not described here. It is therefore supported by IAEA-TECDOC-1616, which accompanies this report and contains the full collection of the reviewed data and provides radioecological concepts and models facilitating the use of these values in specific situations. This publication is intended to supplement existing IAEA reports on environmental assessment methodologies. The IAEA wishes to express its gratitude to all the experts who contributed to this report, and to the International Union of Radioecologists for its support. The IAEA officer responsible for this publication was S. Fesenko of the Agency’s Laboratories (Seibersdorf and Headquarters).

Quantification of Radionuclide Transfer in Terrestrialand Freshwater Environments for Radiological Assessments.IAEA-TECDOC-1616

Abstract: For more than thirty years, the IAEA has published a set of documents aimed at the limitation of the radiation exposure of the population from various nuclear activities. In particular, in 1994 the IAEA published Technical Reports Series No. 364, Handbook of Parameter Values for the Prediction of Radionuclide Transfer in Temperate Environments. Over the years, it has proved to be a valuable reference for radioecologists, modellers and authorities in Member States, and has been quoted in numerous impact assessments. Technical Reports Series No. 364 was based on a review of available data up to the end of 1992. However, a number of high quality critical reviews have been produced in recent years for some of the transfer parameter values which merit consideration. Thus, it was assumed that there is sufficient new information available to warrant reconsideration of a significant proportion of the values given in Technical Reports Series No. 364 and to initiate an updating of Technical Reports Series No. 364 in the framework of the IAEA EMRAS (Environmental Modelling for RAdiation Safety) project. It is expected that the revision of Technical Reports Series No. 364 will initiate further updating of related IAEA publications, and international and national radiological models. The present IAEA-TECDOC is intended to be a support to the update of Technical Reports Series No. 364, overcoming the limitations of the former, and comprises both revised transfer parameter values, as well as missing data, key transfer processes, concepts and models that were found to be important for radiation safety. The publication was prepared by members of the EMRAS project Working Group 1, Theme 1 Revision of IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 364. The group was chaired initially by P. Santucci, followed by P. Calmon. The IAEA wishes to express its gratitude to M. Thorne, A. Gondin da Fonseca and B.Varga for their kind assistance in editing and preparation of the document for publishing, and.to all the contributors to the IAEA-TECDOC and those who assisted in its drafting and review. The IAEA officer responsible for this publication was S. Fesenko of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications.

The European map of the geogenic radon potential.

Abstract: As part of its projected European Atlas of Natural Radiation (EANR), the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, in cooperation with research institutions and radioprotection authorities all over Europe, is currently developing a map of the geogenic radon potential. In an accompanying report the state of knowledge, mapping approaches and problems are discussed. We explain the rationale and the legal situation in Europe and present an overview on the main problems stemming from the heterogeneity of input datasets between participating countries and from the definition of input variables and their differently implemented sampling procedures or protocols. Further topics are definition of the target variable which quantifies the geogenic radon potential and its estimation from heterogeneous input and proxy variables, as well as problems specific to mapping, such as choice of mapping support and resolution. The geogenic map was preceded by a European map of indoor radon concentrations, which is still growing as ever more countries decide to participate, and which served as training for harmonisation problems occurring in the European data realm. We shall also briefly discuss its main results and implications for the geogenic map.

sources and effects of ionizing radiation

Abstract: NOTE The report of the Committee without its annexes appears as Official Records of the General Assembly, Sixty-third Session, Supplement No. 46. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The country names used in this document are, in most cases, those that were in use at the time the data were collected or the text prepared. In other cases, however, the names have been updated, where this was possible and appropriate, to reflect political changes. Scientific Annexes Annex A. Medical radiation exposures Annex B. Exposures of the public and workers from various sources of radiation INTROdUCTION 1. In the course of the research and development for and the application of atomic energy and nuclear technologies, a number of radiation accidents have occurred. Some of these accidents have resulted in significant health effects and occasionally in fatal outcomes. The application of technologies that make use of radiation is increasingly widespread around the world. Millions of people have occupations related to the use of radiation, and hundreds of millions of individuals benefit from these uses. Facilities using intense radiation sources for energy production and for purposes such as radiotherapy, sterilization of products, preservation of foodstuffs and gamma radiography require special care in the design and operation of equipment to avoid radiation injury to workers or to the public. Experience has shown that such technology is generally used safely, but on occasion controls have been circumvented and serious radiation accidents have ensued. 2. Reviews of radiation exposures from accidents have been presented in previous UNSCEAR reports. The last report containing an exclusive chapter on exposures from accidents was the UNSCEAR 1993 Report [U6]. 3. This annex is aimed at providing a sound basis for conclusions regarding the number of significant radiation accidents that have occurred, the corresponding levels of radiation exposures and numbers of deaths and injuries, and the general trends for various practices. Its conclusions are to be seen in the context of the Committee's overall evaluations of the levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. 4. The Committee's evaluations of public, occupational and medical diagnostic exposures are mostly concerned with chronic exposures of …