Radiological impacts of the amang processing industry on neighbouring residents

The processing of amang (one of a number of tin-tailing products) for its v aluable minerals has associated with the radiological and environmental pro blems. The processing and stockpiling of amang and ilmenite in open-air spa ces, subject as it is to environmental influences, gives rise to a potentia l for affecting residents in adjacent area. A case study was carried out in a residential area neighbouring a typical amang plant to investigate the r adiological impact to the residents. The average Effective Dose rates, calc ulated based on the contributions of Effective Dose rates from inhaled susp ended radioactive dust, radon-thoron and their progeny, and external gamma radiation, were determined for selected houses. Results show that the occup ants of those houses received Effective Dose rate, which cannot be differen tiated from background. The major contributor to the average Effective Dose rate came from external radiation sources. Inhaled radon and its progeny w as the second major contributor. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.