Hamyang-gun Monitors Radiation Contamination in Real Time with Environmental Radiation Surveillance Devices

Environmental Radiation Monitor Photo by Hamyang-gun

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] On the 15th, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam announced that it installed an environmental radiation monitoring device around the government office to check radiation contamination levels in real time.

The environmental radiation monitoring device measures radiation levels every second and transmits the data remotely. It was installed to detect radiation emergencies early, protect the health and environment of residents from radiation, and alleviate residents' anxiety.

This environmental radiation monitoring device, promoted by the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology as part of the environmental radiation monitoring network expansion project, was installed around nuclear power plants in preparation for radiation leakage accidents in China, Japan, and other countries. It is being expanded nationwide according to the plan of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.

Basic local governments installed 23 devices in 2020. In 2021, 21 devices are planned to be installed. The installation targets are cities and counties with populations over 300,000 and local governments with an area larger than Seoul, and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology operates the installations.

Currently, 170 locations nationwide, including inland and island areas, have been equipped with the devices. Monitoring information is collected and managed via wireless communication networks and disclosed in real time on the internet through the "National Environmental Radiation Automatic Monitoring Network (IERNet)." South Korea has 24 nuclear reactors, Japan has 33, China has 50, and the United States has 94.

Under normal conditions, South Korea's environmental radiation levels range from 0.05 to 0.3 microsieverts per hour depending on the soil composition and weather conditions of the area. When radiation levels are between 0.2 and less than 1.0, it is the caution stage; between 1.0 and less than 1,000, the warning stage; and above 1,000, the emergency stage, at which point an indoor evacuation alert is issued.

A county official stated, "In the event of domestic or international radiation disasters, it will be possible to check radiation contamination levels in real time and promptly take protective measures for residents from disasters," adding, "We expect it will help alleviate residents' anxiety."

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