TE-NORM Radiological Impact and Radiation Protection in Oil and Gas Industry: A review

Materials having radioactive nuclei and exist naturally on earth are called Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM).235U,238U and 232Th series in addition to 40K are few examples of radioactive elements and their daughter nuclei. NORM can be found either in soil, in water, in plants, in animals or in human being.
In oil and gas industries NORM accumulates at different locations (the wellheads, pumps and separation vessels), That may take the form of scales, sludge, scrapings and some other wastes. Unless adequate control procedures are employed, it may be hazardous to workers, ordinary people and environment.
The most critical concern to public health from exposure to NORM is the possibility of development of cancer. Having no threshold dose, the induction of cancer due to radiation exposure is thus a stochastic process. Nevertheless, no acute or severe effects comparable to those due to high doses of radiation are expected in case of exposure to Technologically Enhanced NORM (TE-Norm).
Uncontrolled release of NORM waste will probably contaminate the environment and threaten human health. Such risks can be avoided through the use of a program for NORM control by oil and gas firms. The program will monitor NORM, control contaminated waste, contaminated equipment, train workers and increase their awareness. By the implementation of appropriate protective procedures at work places one can ensure that the basic principles of radiation protection are functionalized. Therefore, the control of exposure and application of sample dosimetry are the main components of any program for health and safety.