Contaminated tree biomass in energy production - potential need for radiation protection

摘要

The radioactivity of the ashes from the wood-fired boilers of forest industry was studied in Finland in 1996-1997,with a view to collecting data for assessments of radiation exposure,and determining the need for continuos surveillance.The objective was to analyse the real exposure situation with representative asmpling and to establish which radionuclides in wood ash contribute most to the dose received by workers in the industry and to the members of the public.The data collected in 1996-1997 provide insight into the doses due to ~137Cs related to the dynamics of radiocaesium in forest ecosystems.We also discuss the new assessments that will be needed if the ash is used for forest fertilisation in the future instead of being dumped as at present.