Calculating exposure from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) has been standardised by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency to encourage national uniformity and ongoing alignment with international best practice. 

ARPANSA has updated their published dose conversion factors for occupational exposure to radionuclides. These factors are used to calculate how much ionising radiation exposure someone receives from intakes of natural radioactive elements like uranium.  

The update will benefit workers employed in the mining and resources sector and ensure dose is calculated in the same way in each State and Territory.  

ARPANSA Chief Radiation Health Scientist Dr Rick Tinker says that the improved guide will help industry with their radiation management plans.  

‘We are confident that the new conversion factors better reflect the actual dose from radionuclides exposure,' Dr Tinker said. 

‘This is particularly useful for workers in industries where naturally occurring radioactive material is present.'

Average radiation exposure in Australian NORM industries are well below the occupational exposure limit, which is 20 mSv per year averaged over 5 years.  

‘Despite generally low exposures, NORM is an occupational hazard that requires ongoing control,' said Dr Tinker.  

‘Updating the dose conversion factors ensures calculated doses are as accurate as possible.’ 

Average background radiation exposure in Australia is 1.7 mSv per year from natural sources and currently Australians are exposed to an average of 1.7 mSv per year from medical exposures. 

No health effects have been observed or are expected to be observed at the very low doses normally received in these occupations.  

You can view the amended conversion factors and associated guidance here.  

ARPANSA has released an advisory note on the public health considerations for disposal of radioactive waste. 

The advisory note informs how health and wellbeing will be considered as part of licence applications such as those relating to the government’s proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility. 

A draft of the advisory note was put to public consultation in December 2021.  

‘This advisory note establishes an inclusive approach to community engagement when assessing potential impacts on health and well-being,’ said Dr Rick Tinker, Acting Chief Radiation Health Scientist at ARPANSA.

‘We have taken into consideration all feedback received during the consultation process.’

The development of the advisory note forms part of ARPANSA’s preparations in anticipation of receiving a siting licence application in the coming years.

Read more on our website: Advisory Note: Consultation and engagement on public health: considerations for siting, construction and operation of a radioactive waste disposal facility | ARPANSA

ARPANSA has teamed up with Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to create a SunSmart Global UV app. 

The app aims to reduce the number of people across the world developing skin cancer and experiencing UV-related eye damage. 

The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are supporting the launch of the initiative in Geneva this week. 

Research in 2019 estimates around 6.7 million cases of skin cancers were diagnosed globally, and more than 118 thousand people around the world lost their lives to skin cancer in the same year. 

Evidence shows that personal habits in relation to sun exposure, including sunscreen use, clothing choice and time spent outdoors, are the most important individual risk factors for UV radiation damage. 

To encourage world-wide adoption of sun protection, Cancer Council Victoria developed the SunSmart Global UV app in partnership with Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A2I2) using a unique weather data algorithm to create UV forecasts for anywhere in the world.  

‘ARPANSA operates a network of UV radiation detectors in major Australian cities and in the Australian Antarctic territories. We are proud to share data and expertise to contribute to this important initiative’ said Dr Rick Tinker, Chief Radiation Health Scientist for ARPANSA. 

‘We know in Australia how valuable it is to provide accurate UV levels to people based on their geographical location. The new SunSmart Global UV App means the knowledge we have gained in Australia can now be shared internationally to a much wider audience,’ said Dr Tinker. 

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said it was inspiring to work alongside our Australian partners to bring together this world-class innovation that will be utilised across continents. 

‘Cancer Council Victoria has a long history of being at the forefront of innovative programs that protect our community from cancer,’ Mr Harper said. 

‘With summer kicking off in the northern hemisphere, it is fabulous we have the WHO, WMO and ILO supporting the launch of the SunSmart Global UV App across Europe to protect people against harmful UV,’ said Mr Harper. 

‘With increased international travel, we hope Australians will download the global app and keep up those good sun protection practices when overseas’, said Dr Tinker. 

Undertaking research and supporting public understanding of risk is a core part of ARPANSA’s role in protecting Australians from the harmful effects of UV radiation. 

The SunSmart Global UV app is available free of charge at both the Apple App and Google Play store.

Last week the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) held a forum for its licence holders in Canberra.

The annual event provides information on any new or upcoming regulatory changes in the areas of radiation protection and nuclear safety.

The forum is also a platform for industry experts to share knowledge on maintaining safety and compliance requirements at their facilities. 

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation. 

‘As Australia’s leading authority on nuclear regulation, we aim to engage with licence holders at all stages of the licensing process’ says Jim Scott, Chief Regulatory Officer of ARPANSA.

‘This forum is an opportunity for our stakeholders to broaden their understanding of the regulatory requirements in place that will assist them with meeting their obligations and ultimately improve safety outcomes.’

During the forum, experts discussed safety and security around radioactive waste.

ARPANSA expects future licence applications for the Government's proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

‘ARPANSA does not have a formal role until a licence is received, however it is important to engage with stakeholders at all stages, through these forums as well as consultation and engagement with local communities’ said Mr Scott.

Strong regulatory frameworks and a national commitment to radiation protection contribute to ARPANSA’s reputation as a leading authority internationally.

‘Australia has a robust regulatory framework that helps protect communities from the harmful effects of radiation’ said Dr Gillian Hirth, Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA.

‘Collaborating with our licence holders is key to upholding a safe and secure regulatory environment.’

Read more about ARPANSA's regulatory services: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/regulation-and-licensing/regulation/about-regulatory-services

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and dosimetry auditors globally to develop a world first film dosimetry intercomparison tool. 

The resulting film dosimetry tool will be used in auditing to compare the delivered and planned radiation dose to cancer patients.

Development is being led by ARPANSA’s Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS). 

ACDS is Australia’s only independent dosimetry auditing service, providing extra surety for around 70,000 Australians who will be treated with radiotherapy for cancer this year. 

Once complete, the intercomparison will enhance the quality and certainty of results in film dosimetry comparison for radiation auditors around the world.  

‘It is widely agreed that a global film dosimetry intercomparison is needed to advance radiation oncology auditing’ said Senior Medical Physicist and project lead, Dr Andrew Alves. 

‘Film dosimetry is a very precise method of measuring radiation exposure, but variables including different software, scanners and film type, can make comparison difficult.’ 

The intercomparison tool will provide the IAEA with a resource to support greater use of film dosimetry across global radiotherapy providers. 

‘We are confident that the outcome of this new, standardised tool will enhance the way we currently verify radiation doses and enable other countries to introduce film dosimetry in their audits,’ said Dr Ivan Williams, Chief Medical Radiation Scientist of ARPANSA. 

Results of the film dosimetry intercomparison will be made available through IAEA networks. 

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation and provides services and undertakes research relating to medical use of radiation. 

Read more about the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service on our website: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/our-services/testing-and-calibration/calibra…;

Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy—known as 'EME'—is emitted by mobile phones and other telecommunications equipment. To make it easier for members of the public to understand how EME is regulated, ARPANSA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

This formal commitment between the two agencies is an extension of their existing collaboration and information-sharing, and will ensure that EME regulatory arrangements are developed from a sound evidence base.

CEOs Carl-Magnus Larsson (ARPANSA, left) and Chris Chapman (the ACMA) sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

The agencies have distinct but complementary roles in EME regulation:

• ARPANSA is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Based on an assessment of relevant scientific research and international guidance, ARPANSA sets the human exposure limits for RF EME emitted by telecommunications equipment.
• The ACMA is Australia’s communications regulator. To make sure EME exposure from equipment is kept low, the ACMA applies the ARPANSA EME exposure limits to consumer devices (such as mobile phones) and telecommunications facilities (such as mobile phone base stations).

ARPANSA has published new fact sheets on EME and health that consolidate and update previously available information in a handy new format. 

ARPANSA and the ACMA have also released joint statements on EME topics of public interest.

The ARPANSA and the ACMA MoU and joint statements can be found at ARPANSA and the AMCA Memorandum of Understanding.

Recruitment is currently underway for the next Chief Radiation Health Scientist and Head of Radiation Health Services Branch of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

The successful candidate will undertake a unique, combined role, that will provide strategic and operational leadership for the effective and efficient management of the Radiation Health Services Branch.

They will also be directly responsible for the delivery of work programs and services across the four sections of the branch and will establish and sustain strong collaborative arrangements with other branch and offices within ARPANSA.

Engagement with national and international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and collaboration with State and Territory radiation regulators is a key component of the role.

Having an excellent understanding of the science underpinning radiation protection and nuclear safety is a key job capability.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 15 May 2022.

Read the full job description: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/chief-radiation-health-scientist-and-head-ra…

Illegal laser pointers that are being imported into the country due to incorrect product labelling is an issue being pinpointed to Australia’s Freight and Trade Alliance this month by ARPANSA scientist Dr Chris Brzozek.  

Dr Brzozek says that in some cases, laser pointers more than 100 times the legal power limit are finding their way into consumers' hands. 

In Australia, all laser pointers that are available to the public must have a radiant power output of less than 1 milliwatt (mW).  

Anything above that is considered a prohibited weapon.  

Dr Brzozek says that unreliable specifications and deliberate misrepresentation of the output power provided at the point of sale are an increasing problem.  

A 2013 study by the University of New South Wales found that the vast majority of laser pointers in their sample, 42 out of 44, exceeded the power limit of 1mW. 

‘Our message to customs brokers, freight forwarders and the sector more broadly is to double check product labels. Laser pointers without a label or that are labelled incorrectly can be referred to the authorities,’ said Dr Brzozek. 

‘We also say to consumers to be careful - especially when laser products are used by children.’ 

Humans have a blink reflex that can protect the eye from a laser beam with a radiant power of 1mW or below. But that aversion response has limited effectiveness to prevent hazards when laser beams are above 1mW.  

‘When a laser pointer is shone into the eyes of an unsuspecting victim, it can have a ‘flash-blindness’ effect,’ said Dr Brzozek. 

‘Flashed into the eye of someone driving or operating machinery, it could result in their death. 

‘Even for people not doing safety critical activities, the injury from staring into a laser beam could include permanent damage to their eye, resulting in vision loss. 

‘Powerful laser pointers can also burn the skin.’ 

Dr Brzozek will be educating Australia’s supply-chain sector as part of a series of compliance training workshops throughout May and June. 

This work forms part of ARPANSA’s role as a health advisor working to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.  

Read more about Laser Hazards and Safety on the ARPANSA website. 

Under the Australian Government’s Electromagnetic Energy Program, ARPANSA provides funding to support priority research on radio waves and health.

ARPANSA is pleased to announce its first successful project under the new EME Program Research Framework. 

‘We are delighted to be working with RMIT and the Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) team to progress their research proposal investigating the impact of non-ionising radiation on cell permeability’, said Assoc Prof Sarah Loughran, EME Program Director at ARPANSA.

‘This study fills a gap in current research through its investigation of potential non-thermal effects of higher frequency radio waves and aims to develop an understanding of the exposure level at which non-thermal effects may be observed.’

The project will be led by RMIT University Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova and was selected from a competitive process following a call for proposals in late 2021.

‘We are very pleased to be supported by ARPANSA on this important research’, said Prof Ivanova, School of Science, RMIT University.

‘While there is strong scientific literature pertaining to older mobile telecommunications systems, there is comparatively little on the millimetre wave frequencies planned for future 5G systems’, said Prof Ivanova.

‘This knowledge is crucial given the strong societal concern about the 5G roll-out.’

This research is funded as the first ‘major project’ under ARPANSA’s new EME Program Research Framework, which provides opportunities for universities, hospitals and medical research institutes to access funding and support to address priority areas of EME and health research.

‘This study, and the research being conducted under the EME program more broadly, provides valuable evidence to underpin our work in protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation’, said Assoc Prof Loughran.

‘This is the first of many studies that will help further build the international body of knowledge on this important topic’.

RMIT has secured $140,000 from ARPANSA to undertake this research, which is expected to be completed by 2024.

For more information on this study, please read the research brief.
 

ARPANSA experts have published an article in Public Health Research and Practice, a journal of the Sax Institute, that calls for more research into the use of non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes.

Cosmetic radiation treatments such as laser hair removal and IPL skin rejuvenation are growing in popularity, but consumers are at risk of injuries such as burns, blistering, scarring and eye damage.

‘There is currently no national approach to regulation of devices or services that use non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes, with the exception of the ban on solariums’ said Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, Assistant Director, Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

At a state level, only Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia have regulatory controls, but even then only for certain optical cosmetic applications.

‘Despite a public perception that cosmetic radiation procedures are quick and easy, many are complex and require specific skills and experience to apply correctly,’ said Karipidis.

‘This review highlights the absence of any consistent and well-defined training requirements across all Australian jurisdictions.’

ARPANSA has published national advice for consumers and treatment providers, however more research in this space is needed to determine the overall public health impact.

ARPANSA has teamed up with Monash University to seek a PhD Candidate to undertake research in injuries resulting from cosmetic application of non-ionising radiation. This research will help further develop the body of knowledge to better understand the health and safety impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures.

‘Our primary concern is to protect Australians from the harmful effects of radiation. We’re working with Monash University to support a PhD candidate to further investigate the health impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures’, said Associate Professor Karipidis.

‘Further understanding of the injury burden will assist in further policy considerations by State and Territory regulators.’

Read the full journal article: https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp32122204