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[ Response ]
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Radon exposure in Latvia has been investigated mainly in the last three years. More than 300 houses, schools, day-care facilities, and hospitals were investigated. The average concentration of radon in buildings ranges from 20 Bq/m3 to 100 Bq/m3, depending on the District and geological factors. Buildings have been detected in which the concentration of radon exceeds 1500 Bq/m3, a level which can have an adverse impact on human health. Usually, these buildings have poorly covered foundations and insufficient ventilation of living quarters.
Potential Sources of Radioactive Pollution
There are no highly dangerous nuclear facilities in Latvia. The only nuclear research reactor in Salaspils was closed down in summer 1998. There are 17 energy generating Nuclear Power Plants located in a radius of 300 km from the Latvian border, thus causing a potential risk of the radiation level increase.
Assessment of radioactive pollution in territories near potential pollution sources (the disposal site for radioactive waste in Baldone, the territory of the Salaspils Nuclear Research Centre and the zone of 30 km from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Daugavpils District) shows no significant impact.
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Gamma Radiation Level in Air
To obtain rapid warning and complete information on radio-nuclide pollution in Latvia, a radiation early warning system has been established, consisting of automatic gamma radiation monitoring stations located in thirteen sites throughout Latvia.
In 1997, the average gamma radiation level in air did not exceed 0.10 mkSv/h. The highest level of 0.14 mkSv/h was observed in Liepaja and Daugavpils Cities in autumn during a thick fog when the concentration of radon in air was quite high. The highest gamma background levels occurred in Daugavpils, Liepaja and Talsi. Soil pollution with radioactive caesium and higher radon concentrations in air are common in Liepaja, but Talsi is located in an area where the soil (clay, gravel) contains a high level of natural radio-nuclides.
Source: Latvian Environment Data Centre
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