Radioactivity in consumer goods
Radioactive substances in consumer goods
Radioactive substances are used in a number of consumer goods, such as smoke detectors, incandescent mantles and certain types of welding electrodes. Because these products are freely available, it is important to maintain a clear picture of the numbers sold and the amount of radioactive substances in them. The contribution of consumer goods to the average radiation level has fallen from approximately 9 µSv per person per year in 1989 to approximately 0.3 µSv a year in 2001.
Approximately 60-70% of the observed reduction has been caused by a real fall in the number of radioactive products. For example, the total number of incandescent mantles fell by a factor of three and only 10% of the remaining sales are radioactive. The remainder of the reduction is caused by a lower estimate of the number of products sold and of exposure on the basis of new data. For most consumer goods studied, the amount of radioactivity per product did not fall during the 1989-2001 period.
Policy
Policy is currently under development that will ban the sales of a few products, such as radioactive smoke detectors, for household use with effect from 1 January 2006.
Relevance
Exposure to radiation constitutes a health risk. The studies referred to show that the average contribution of 0.3 µSv by consumer goods in 2001 is less than the 10 µSv a year below which permits are not required.
References
- Eleveld, H. and M.J.M. Pruppers (2000). Schattingen van de individuele en collectieve dosis als gevolg van consumentenproducten waarin radioactieve stoffen zijn verwerkt. RIVM (report no. 610 310 005), Bilthoven.
- Janssen, M.P.M. (2002). Radioactiviteit in Nederlandse gebruiksartikelen. RIVM (report 610 230 002), Bilthoven.
