The NORM situation in Hungary; the putative curative products containing NORM

Transcription

1 National Research Institute for Radiobiology and Radiohygiene The NORM situation in Hungary; the putative curative products containing NORM M. Lajos, Á. Salik, J. K. Kónyi, L. Juhász IV. Terrestrial Radionuclides in Environment International Conference on Environmental Protection 22 nd May 2014, Veszprém, Hungary 1

2 Contents Radioactive curative products the past Radioactive curative products present Radioactive nuclides Measurement results Regulatory background prohibition or permission? 2

3 Radioactive curative products Radium containing products at the beginning of 20 th century nail polish toothpaste face powder water soap other the past 3

4 Radioactive curative products nowadays High Th-232 activity in the products hexagon, insole, belt, necklace, duvet 4

5 Putative curative products What is radioactivity used for? 20 th century radium drowsiness arthritis cosmetology whiter teeth 21 st century negative ions inflammation reducing stress Improve immune system mental energy source 2014 Negative ions positive effects Th-232 radioactive decay series gamma photons air ionization positive and negative ions 5

6 Negative ions create positive effects protect against germs in the air decreased drowsiness higher alertness relieve stress more mental energy help to alleviate depression Vitamins of the air 6

7 Radioactive curative products nowadays 7

8 sample (mass) Activity and activity concentration Results of gamma spectrometry Activity of Th (nat) [Bq/sample] Activity concentration of Th(nat) [Bq/g] Dose rate H*(10) [nsv/h] Plate (485 g) Hexagon (167,5 g) Insert (2,6 g) Belt (496 g) [66 inserts] 16x Duvet ( 3 kg) Insole (62,7 g) According to the 23/1997 (VII. 18.) ESzCsM decree the exemption activity level of Th-232 is 1000 Bq, and the exemption activity concentration level is 1 Bq/g. According to the 124/1997. (VII. 18.) governmental decree the radioactive material is exempted from the Atomic Law, if the activity 8 OR the activity concentration is below the level.

9 Bio Energy Card How to use? Keep the card directly next to your body in order to receive the best effect. activity [exemption act.] (Bq) Th (nat) 400 ± 100 [1000] 54,1 [1] act. conc. [exemption act. conc.] (Bq/g) U ± 100 [1000] 47,7 [1] Mass: 7,4 g The activity concentration is higher than the exemption level, but the activity is not higher (1 card) If you buy more cards? 9

10 Regulatory background These products contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) The 47/2003. (VIII. 8.) ESzCsM Decree lists the activities which could concentrate the NORM (Appendix 1): Zircon-sand utilization, ceramic production Metal ore mining, ore metallurgy utilization Phosphate rock processing, fertilizer production Oil and natural gas exploitation Coal mining, coal burning power plants Uranium ore mining, -processing 17. (2) For the management, disposal, reutilization of the co-products of the activities of the Appendix 1 ( ) radiohygiene license is also necessary. 10

11 Regulatory background The 23/1997 (VII. 18.) ESzCsM decree lists the exemption activity levels and the exemption activity concentration levels of radionuclides. According to the 124/1997. (VII. 18.) governmental decree the radioactive material is exempted from the Atomic Law (CXVI/1996.), if the activity OR the activity concentration is below the level. If the product does not exempt from the Atomic Law, the production and distribution must be authorized by the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service. If the product exempts from the Atomic Law, because the activity is lower than the limit? Should it be controlled? More Bio Cards? 11

12 Why should they be controlled? More products activity exceed the activity exemption level they are covered by the Atomic Law Exemption levels were established not for population usage According to the 16/2000. (VI. 8.) EüM decree the sum of the external and internal radiation exposures from artificial sources, ( ), shall not be higher than the yearly effective dose limit of 1 msv for the population. (Appendix 2., 4.2.) 1 year usage of radioactive belt can cause more than 1 msv effective dose Healing effect of low doses is unproven 12

13 How should they be controlled? According to the 16/2000. (VI. 8.) EüM decree 16. (5) it is forbidden to add purposely radioactive materials to food, toys, jewelry and cosmetic products, moreover the export and import of these products is also forbidden. How but putative curative products? What does purposely mean? It is undefined. These products are not safe Law 88/2012. Market surveillance of products 13

14 How should they be controlled? Law 88/2012. Market surveillance of products 3. (1) Only safe and suitable for the requirements of EU legislation products shall be placed on market and made available to consumers. Safe product: does not pose a danger under normal conditions of use or pose the minimum health hazard which only compatible with the product's use, considered to be acceptable with the product's use, considering the health protection and safety of the people. Authority: National Public Health and Medical Officer Service 14

15 How should they be controlled? The spreading of putative curative products is controllable using the Law 88/2012 at present. COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM will make more explicit decision hopefully. Thank you for your attention! 15