The environment and Britain's aid programme

Summary Some of the environmental and developmental activities assisted by Britain's Programme of Overseas Aid are outlined. In particular, the article draws attention to a new booklet published by the Overseas Development Administration to mark the European Year of the Environment which, in the Minister's words, shows how through British aid, programme improvements are possible by a combination of sound scientific research and a sensitivity to people's needs.Mr Christopher Patten, Member of Parliament for Bath, is the UK's current Minister for Overseas Development. He also serves as Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The Minister may be contacted through the offices of the Overseas Development Administration, Eland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5DH, UK.     

Radon survey in the high natural radiation region of Niska Banja, Serbia

A radon survey has been carried out around the town of Niska Banja (Serbia) in a region partly located over travertine formations, showing an enhanced level of natural radioactivity. Outdoor and indoor radon concentrations were measured seasonally over the whole year, using CR-39 diffusion type radon detectors. Outdoor measurements were performed at 56 points distributed over both travertine and alluvium sediment formations. Indoor radon concentrations were measured in 102 living rooms and bedrooms of 65 family houses. In about 50% of all measurement sites, radon concentration was measured over each season separately, making it possible to estimate seasonal variations, which were then used to correct values measured over different periods, and to estimate annual values. The average annual indoor radon concentration was estimated at over 1500 Bq/m3 and at about 650 Bq/m3 in parts of Niska Banja located over travertine and alluvium sediment formations, respectively, with maximum values exceeding 6000 Bq/m3. The average value of outdoor annual radon concentration was 57 Bq/m3, with a maximum value of 168 Bq/m3. The high values of indoor and outdoor radon concentrations found at Niska Banja make this region a high natural background radiation area. Statistical analysis of our data confirms that the level of indoor radon concentration depends primarily on the underlying soil and building characteristics.