Environmental radioactivity measurements in Switzerland

The survey of the environmental radioactivity in Switzerland is the responsibility of the Swiss Federal Radioactivity Surveillance Commission (KUeR).All laboratories specialized in environmental radioactivity measurements in Switzerland take part in the KUeR-sampling and measurement program. This program includes measurements of air, water, soil, grass, important food sources as well as the body radioactivity of human beings.This program and the various measuring methods are based on the experience on fall-out measurements of the KUeR and of various international bodies.Special environmental sampling and measurement programs are implemented in the vicinity of the operating Nuclear Power Stations (NPS) and those under construction. To confirm compliance with the licensing requirements the various activities include all measurements to assess any radiological consequences of NPS operation. Such requirements are drawn up for each power-station by the Nuclear Safety Division of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (ASK) and the KUeR.They include various measurements and techniques starting from the release-point, to dose estimation from external radiation (plum exposure), dose estimation from internal radiation (ecological pathway) and in some cases whole body counting of persons.In our laboratories and national and international round-robin measurements programs we think it will be useful to include standards developed under the auspices of the ICRM.