EFFECTS OF URANIUM MINING ON RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION IN THE KLETNO REGION IN POLAND

In the Lower Silesia region, in the vicinity of Kletno town (near Klod zko), there are remainders of uranium ores being mined there, such as dump sites, abandoned pits and the like. Extensive research has indica ted an increase in radioactivity there. The present research was aimed at defining the radioactive contamination in the neighborhood of Klet no. The research involved gauging the radiation background, especially at the mine dumps and measuring the concentration of natural radioact ive isotopes and Cs in the rocks and soil. Besides, the concentration of radium isotopes in waters was determined. Two spots only were found with higher radiation levels. A method for dealing with radiation haz ards is proposed. Water analyses have indicated that flushing of radiu m isotopes from the rock-mass and the dumps is not significant. Theref ore, it can be concluded that uranium ore mining in the region of Klet no has not caused any significant radioactive contamination.