Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials

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Naturally occurring radioactive materials are common radioactive materials. Radioactivity levels vary for these materials. In general, these materials have radioactivity levels that do not pose health risks for human beings. The acronym NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) is generally used to describe radioactive materials associated with activities in which human beings may be exposed to elevated radioactivity levels. Such activities include oil and coal production.^[1]

Background

All raw materials and minerals contain radionuclides (atoms with excess nuclear energy). Radioactive elements are found below the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. Common radioactive elements include uranium, radium, thorium, potassium, and radon. The degree of radioactivity in naturally occurring radioactive materials varies. Food, such as bananas, carrots, and red meat, is naturally radioactive but at significantly low levels. Other radioactive elements are dissolved in low concentrations when rock, water, and soil interact. The level of human exposure to radioactive elements associated with raw materials and minerals is generally insignificant and not associated with health problems. Certain activities may involve greater exposure to radioactive materials, particularly if these elements are concentrated in some way. Though the term naturally occurring radioactive materials includes all radioactive elements found naturally in the environment, the acronym NORM is used to include naturally occurring radioactive materials associated with activities where human beings are exposed to more elevated levels of radiation. These activities include coal and oil production, metal mining, and fertilizer production.^[2][3][4]

NORMs in oil production

Groundwater near oil depositions may contain high concentrations of dissolved radioactive components. These components can build up over long periods of time when in contact with water and rock. Oil field waters also contain chloride, a substance that can increase the solubility of radioactive elements like radium. Radium-bearing water is usually brought to the surface during oil production. After the oil is separated from other chemicals and substances at the surface, the water (sometimes known as produced water) is placed in an injection or disposal where it is returned to the Earth. In some instances, tanks and pipes carrying produced water are coated in deposits containing radium. In general, pipes, casings, tanks, and fittings tanks that have prolonged contact with produced water are more likely to contain radioactive materials than other equipment used in oil production. Since the 1980s (when high levels of radioactivity radium-coated scrap metal were detected), the oil industry began developing procedures to predict, detect, prevent, and disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials in oil fields, while oil-producing states implemented regulations to control radioactive materials that affect oil production equipment.^[5]

NORMs in coal combustion

NORMs can be found in coal and coal ash, a byproduct of using coal to generate electricity at power plants. Coal generally contains thorium and uranium. The amount of individual radionuclides (atoms with excess nuclear energy) in coal is relatively low and often similar to the amount found in nearby rocks. Coal with higher levels of radionuclides are usually located near heavy metals or areas with high sulfur content.^[3] When coal is combusted, its radionuclides are concentrated mainly in the ash residue, though radionuclide levels differ depending on the type of ash. Approximately 99 percent of fly ash, the largest byproduct of coal combustion, is captured through filers and retained at power plants. Federal and state regulations exist requiring power plants to limit fly ash emissions and to dispose of ash residue to prevent pollution. Around 60 percent of collected fly ash was used for blended cement and concrete as of 2014, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).^[3][6]

See also

• Glossary of energy terms
• Coal
• Oil

Footnotes

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