Radiation protection aspects of the use of zircon sand. National Group for Studying Radiological Implications in the Use of Zircon Sand.

Working processes using zircon sand in a factory producing refractory material were studied from the point of view of radiation protection. Zircon sand contains high concentrations of natural radionuclides and is a typical example of an enhanced source. Using various techniques the characteristics of the original material were analysed and environmental radioactivity was measured in the different significant points of the process. Finally, a first assessment was made of effective dose equivalent values in the areas of highest risk.