16 December 2019

During the 1950s the United Kingdom was granted permission to test nuclear explosives in sites in South Australia and Western Australia.

The testing of these weapons led to contamination of surrounding land and ARPANSA and our predecessors have been involved in supporting the analysis and clean-up of Australian test sites over many years.

Recently, we participated in a study to review the ongoing impacts of tests conducted in the Montebello islands off the north coast of Western Australia.

The study saw the collection of samples of soil, sediment, seawater and animal life including fish and crustaceans. These samples were then analysed to assess the levels of radiation present. ARPANSA’s work focused on assessment of fish and crustacean samples.

‘As expected we found that the samples we analysed had radionuclides that we would not expect in the normal marine environment’, said Dr Rick Tinker, Director of Assessment and Advice, ‘The level of most of these radionuclides had decreased since previous analysis but plutonium levels remained elevated.’

‘Importantly, levels in fish tissue were very low and do not pose a health impact if consumed.’

The Montebello Islands are very remote, located 130 kilometres off the north-west coast of Australia.

The region is not inhabited by humans and has not been developed, however the surrounding waters are visited by fishing boats, so collecting data on the levels of contamination in sea water and marine life is important.

 ‘The study as a whole provides a unique insight into the impacts of nuclear explosions on the environment and the longevity of isotopes many decades after an event’, said Dr Tinker.

As a health authority in radiation protection, ARPANSA will continue to participate in research to assess impacts of radiation on people and the environment.

Our work in assessing impacts on seawater and marine life was part of a collaborative study and a paper was recently published in the Science of the Total Environment journal.

How is radiation regulated in Australia? It’s a common question, and unfortunately the answer isn’t as straightforward as it could be.

While ARPANSA is responsible for regulating Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation, the wider regulation of radiation in Australia falls within the remit of state and territory governments, or in the case of telecommunications, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

To assist in navigating radiation regulation, ARPANSA has produced a new report on regulation of non-ionising radiation in Australia. Non-ionising radiation is used for commercial, industrial and health purposes including lighting, cosmetic procedures, telecommunications and ultrasound.

ARPANSA’s role is to develop standards and provide health advice, while promoting uniform regulation of radiation across all jurisdictions. The new report highlights gaps and differences between some states and territories, providing insight into areas for greater alignment.

‘For the first time, this report gives us a consolidated view of regulation of non-ionising radiation around Australia’, said Dr Ken Karipidis, Assistant Director, Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

‘We found that there are some key areas that would benefit from greater uniformity and the report gives us a tool to promote a more consistent approach in regulation across the country.’

Cosmetic use of non-ionising radiation is one area that would benefit from better uniformity in regulation.

‘We often get questions from members of the public or practitioners about cosmetic laser or IPL [Intense Pulsed Light] licencing and there are different requirements state to state’, said Dr Karipidis.

‘Our report shows the different methods of regulation and guidance for each jurisdiction and provides us with a basis to work towards more uniform regulation in future.’

You can access the report here: Non-ionising radiation protection in Australia

6 December 2019

In June 2018, ARPANSA issued a direction to its licence holder, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), to initiate an independent review of its approach to occupational radiation safety at its nuclear medicine facility operated by ANSTO Health, now known as Health Products. The direction also required ANSTO to develop a plan to address the independent review team’s recommendations.

The direction came about following four separate events with safety implications at Health Products in the period August 2017 to June 2018.

On 5 December 2018, ARPANSA received ANSTO’s response to the independent review report including a draft plan – referred to as the Health Products Implementation Plan.

Over the past 12 months, ARPANSA has engaged with ANSTO to ensure the Implementation Plan provides clear measurable actions that support improved occupational radiation safety. The final version was received by ARPANSA on 30 August 2019.

Following review of the final version, the CEO of ARPANSA is now satisfied that the Implementation Plan meets the terms of the direction issued to ANSTO in June 2018. As part of this approval, Health Products’ licence conditions have been amended to include additional regulatory oversight to ensure ANSTO fulfils the commitments made in the Implementation Plan.

More information:

• ARPANSA’s letter of approval, 4 December 2019
• Health Products Implementation Plan, August 2019
• ARPANSA issues a direction to ANSTO
• Independent Safety Review of the ANSTO Health Approach to Occupational Radiation Safety and Operational Procedures

Dr Ken Karipidis, ARPANSA’s Assistant Director of Assessment and Advice, recently attended a workshop hosted by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) to explore effects of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields on animals and plants.

The workshop discussed naturally-occurring electric and magnetic fields from the Earth and the sun as well as artificial electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields including radio waves used in mobile phone networks and radio and TV broadcasts. 

Scientific research has been conducted to investigate whether electromagnetic fields have negative effects on animals and plants in the environment. The workshop addressed research on the following topics:

• assessment of exposure and measurement of dose from power lines and mobile communications
• mechanisms for potential impact on plants and animals
• effects on plants, invertebrates and vertebrates from low-frequency and higher frequency electric and magnetic fields

Workshop presentations showed that, while it is well-established that many animals and plants respond to naturally-occurring electromagnetic fields, the exact mechanism of these responses has not been established and requires further investigation. 

Impacts of artificial electromagnetic fields on plant and animal life have not been established. The workshop explored the relevance of effects shown in laboratory experiments to real life situations, noting that effects found in laboratory settings have not been demonstrated in the natural environment. Studies that have been conducted in the natural environment generally report little or no evidence of impact on plants or animals.

The international workshop was held in Munich, Germany from 5-7 November 2019. 

ARPANSA will continue to evaluate relevant research as it becomes available, working with international counterparts to ensure ongoing review of scientific evidence related to radiation and both public and environmental health. 
 

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (ARPANS) Regulations provide a framework for ensuring Commonwealth Government bodies that use or produce radiation conduct their work in a safe and responsible manner.

These Regulations apply to all of our regulated entities, including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Department of Defence and others.

The Regulations are updated each year, and the most recent amendments came into effect on 7 November 2019. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018 now incorporate the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Amendment Regulations 2019.

‘The updated Regulations include further safeguards and clarification of requirements for new licence applications,’ said Jim Scott, ARPANSA’s Chief Regulatory Officer.

‘They also establish separate dose limits for occupational exposure to ionising radiation for people aged 16 and 17’, said Mr Scott, ‘This is an important step in ensuring that the Regulations provide appropriate protection to people of all ages working with radiation’.

In addition to changes to fees and application requirements and licence conditions, the updated Regulations also reference new Codes that apply to licence holders including the Code for Disposal Facilities for Solid Radioactive Material (2018) and Code for Disposal of Radioactive Waste by the User (2018).

A full explanation of the amendments can be found in the Federal Register of Legislation.

The Regulations are an important tool to support ARPANSA’s work in protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.

ARPANSA is currently seeking nominations for members of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council. The Minister-appointed Council advise the CEO on emerging issues and matters of major public concern relating to radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Nominations are sought from suitably qualified people with an understanding of radiation and nuclear issues. Current membership is comprised of experts from a range of fields relevant to radiation protection including medicine, mining, regulation, health research and law.

All appointments are part-time and nominations are now open for the triennium (2020-2023) in line with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (subsection 21(2)) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018 (section 18).

Nominations close Wednesday 4 December 2019 and appointments will be confirmed early in 2020.

If you are interested in joining the Council, you are encouraged to learn more about the functions and current membership of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council.

For further information including selection criteria for appointment and application instructions, please see: Membership of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council

If you have experience and knowledge of radiation protection and nuclear issues, we encourage you to submit your nomination as soon as possible.

We look forward to announcing the 2020-2023 Council in due course.

ARPANSA is pleased to host, in conjunction with the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS), the 5th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection on 17-21 November 2019 in Adelaide, South Australia.

The ICRP Symposium offers the opportunity for around 400 professionals, experts and researchers from around the world to gather and discuss concerns and challenges faced in all areas of radiological protection, including ways forward through new research, behavioural changes and improved engagement with stakeholders.

With a Symposium theme of Mines, Medicine and Mars, the topical areas to be explored include radiological protection in mining, cutting-edge technologies and techniques in medicine, plus the protection of passengers and crew in modern aviation and space travel. 

‘It is an honour to welcome the international radiation protection community to Australia for this important event,’ said Dr Gillian Hirth, ARPANSA Chief Radiation Health Scientist and ICRP committee member.

‘This is a unique opportunity to bring together experts from diverse fields of practice to share knowledge and experience and improve the global understanding of radiation safety issues and advances.’

ARPANSA staff will present on a range of topics including:   

• Validation of an effective dosimeter for radon decay products
• NORM: A planned or existing exposure situation?
• Learning from the Australian Radiation Incident Register
• ARPANSA’s national diagnostic reference level service – providing guidance on typical doses in medical imaging
• Australian actions to reduce health risks from radon
• Advantages for a Primary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory in having a Medical Linear Accelerator

Further research and expertise will be showcased via the poster sessions and ARPS forum held during the week.

‘It will be great to hear from so many ARPANSA scientists and other Australian and international experts throughout the four-day event’, said Dr Hirth.

For further detail on the symposium program, including world class keynote speakers and social events, visit: https://icrp2019.com/program/

The Annual Report of the CEO of ARPANSA 2018-19 was tabled in parliament on Tuesday 15 October 2019 and is now available online.

ARPANSA’s annual report informs parliament, stakeholders and the wider public about our priorities, achievements and activities during the previous financial year.

This year marks the first time that our annual report is released in the new Commonwealth government transparency portal, allowing easy access to relevant data and clear comparison of metrics across agencies and departments.

Highlights from this year’s annual report include:

• installing a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator to respond to changes in the medical oncology environment
• receiving an international team of experts to perform a peer review of Australia’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety for the Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission (IRRS)
• publishing the mobile phone and brain cancer study in the British Medical Journal Open
• publishing our emergency exposure guide and advice on lasers, IPL devices and LED phototherapy for cosmetic treatments and beauty therapy
• celebrating 20 years of excellence, building on the success of ARPANSA’s predecessors from the previous 90 years.

'This year’s annual report showcases our commitment to serving as Australia’s leading authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. With the installation of the new linear accelerator and hosting of an international peer review to benchmark ourselves against international best practice, both highlighted in this year’s report, ARPANSA has been able to strengthen our role as service provider, independent regulator, and health advisor to the Australian Government and community. ARPANSA is well placed to work towards our 2019-2020 priorities'

- Carl-Magnus Larsson, CEO of ARPANSA

Read the full ARPANSA annual report 2018-19 on the new Commonwealth government transparency portal.

When we think about exposure to radiation in our everyday lives, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but naturally-occurring radiation can be found in our homes, the air we breathe and the food we eat.

In the first study of its kind in Australia, ARPANSA produced a report on radiation present in foods that make up a typical Australian diet.

ARPANSA’s new report looks at radiation dose from food taking into consideration both natural and artificial sources of radiation. The results showed levels are very low and would not present any health concerns.

‘This study gave us a great insight into the everyday diet of Australians and the level of exposure from radionuclides in food,’ said Dr Rick Tinker, Director of Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

‘We screen many food samples in our radiochemistry lab, for artificial radionuclides, but this program of work was unique as it gives us a picture of the average baseline level of radiation exposure Australians receive from food in a year.’

The study found that there were small traces of one artificial radionuclide detected in some foods. More importantly, there was a range of naturally occurring radionuclides detected in most foods at varying concentrations.

‘Based on the analysis of this typical Australian diet – as expected, we saw some very low levels of natural and artificial radionuclides but at these very low levels there are no health implications due to radiation exposure’, Dr Tinker noted.

While ARPANSA conducted the food testing and dose estimations for the report, Food Standards Australia New Zealand played an integral role in developing a model of the typical Australian diet.

This study provides Australia with a valuable reference to normal radiation levels in our diet.

‘It’s great to have that data on levels of radionuclides in a range of food products so we can monitor any change over time or in the case of any future nuclear events,’ said Dr Tinker.

You can view the full report here: Radiation Doses from the Average Australian Diet.

Earlier this month ARPANSA and Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) met to formalise our partnership to promote sun safety and support skin cancer prevention.

CCV is a non-profit organisation involved in cancer research, support, prevention and advocacy. Our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CCV reaffirms our effective working relationship as we collaborate on local and national initiatives.

ARPANSA CEO, Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson acknowledged ARPANSA’s longstanding relationship with the Cancer Council and both national and state levels. 

‘This MOU outlines how ARPANSA and CCV will work together to improve health outcomes related to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Together we are focussing on reducing the risk of skin cancer to the public and the associated burden on our health system.‘ 

‘I look forward to continuing to collaborate and support CCV’s research and advocacy to positively influence cancer prevention in Victoria and Australia,’ Dr Larsson said.

The relationship opens up improved opportunities to exchange information and direct future research and project initiatives across the two organisations, including through development of annual work plans.

‘We’re proud of the work we have undertaken with the Cancer Council and SunSmart to provide evidence-based advice on the effects of UV exposure. We look forward to collaborating further during November as we promote UV awareness and skin cancer action week’, said Dr Larsson.

ARPANSA and CCV are both designated World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centres on UV and encourage action to reduce UV-induced health risks, provide guidance and develop effective sun awareness programs.

ARPANSA and CCV are represented on Cancer Council Australia's National Skin Cancer Committee, relevant Committees of Standards Australia and the UV Working Group.