PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES ON RADIOACTIVITY IN THE ENVIRONMENT

This article is in essence a compilation of personal views on future research priorities in the environmental radioactivity and related fields. It is intended to exhibit the same spirit of frankness and openness of expression which has characterised Eric Hamilton's science and his dissemination of it. The review works its way round some of the research priorities which currently underpin the author's research programme at SURRC (Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre). In particular, further research on occupational and environmental exposures to natural decay series radionuclides is called for. More generally, the wider radiological implications of inhalation of low activity dusts merit detailed study. Aerial radiometrics and mass-spectrometry-based analytical methods are highlighted as areas for expansion. The former is considered to show unsurpassed potential in emergency response situations and in detailed and cost-effective mapping of both natural (U, Th, total gamma) and anthropogenic nuclides (e.g. in the study of on-land movement of the Sellafield-contaminated mud-patch or the characterisation of Chernobyl fallout depositions). The latter methods will ultimately enable more definitive study of low concentrations of long-lived nuclides in key components of target human tissues and in geochemical/geophysical extracts of important environmental samples. The need for revision of legislation and practices associated with occupational exposures at, and discharges to the environment from, conventional industries which involve ores, minerals, etc. containing natural radioactivity is further emphasised herein, including the suggestion that fossil fuel and nuclear power generation industries should be subject to more equivalent requirements and expectations. Some possible consequences of recent research on the association between radiation and childhood leukaemia are suggested. Sub-natural modification of the radiation environment is likely to become a common practice. This article is dedicated to Eric Hamilton, a scientist who has, in the U.K., an unsurpassed record of achievement in the environmental radioactivity and biogeochemical fields.