A Low‐cost Scheme for Local Radiation Monitoring Available to Purchase

The response to the deposition of radioactive material over the United Kingdom from Chernobyl, in 1986, demonstrated the inadequacy of arrangements at that time for the monitoring of radiation and the subsequent dissemination of public information and advice. As a result,a low cost scheme for local radiation monitoring was developed in Surrey, using two forms of monitoring: environmental monitoring of background radiation dose rate, and monitoring of radioactivity in food and non‐food products. The scheme commenced operation in April 1990 and the results for the first three years are presented. Details of costs are examined and conclusions drawn as to the scientific credibility and cost effectiveness of the scheme. Results show that radiation levels in Surrey are of low radiological significance and that none of the results gives any cause for public concern.