The evaluation of radioactive releases to the environment is important for the support of sustainable development of agriculture, due to the potential for released radioactivity to enter food chain. The impact of radionuclides on the food chains are normally assessed by means of measurements of radioactivity in environmental samples, which include soils, feedstuffs, foodstuffs, and water. Sampling of agricultural soils and food, as well as measurement of various radionuclides for radioactivity requires efficient, cheap, effective and easily implemented techniques. The lack of such techniques may prevent the development of national infrastructures in providing the required level of food safety. This document provides the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling and measurements of radionuclides in agriculture. It also includes an overview of the techniques relevant for agricultural soil and crops. Supplementary techniques such as the assessment of radiocaesium mobility in soils are also presented. The document is intended for individuals and authorities dealing with sampling and measurement of radionuclides in agricultural environments, and answered the many request for assistance from the IAEA Members in radionuclide measurements in agricultural soils and food items.

This publication addresses the sampling of soil and vegetation in terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural, forest and urban environments, contaminated with radionuclides from events such as radiation accidents, radiological incidents and former nuclear activities. It considers sampling strategies and programmes, which are relevant for both emergency and existing exposure situations. Practical advice is provided on the design and implementation of sampling programmes for soil and vegetation within the framework of environmental monitoring. Examples of best practice on the formulation of optimized sampling strategies for different exposure situations are given based on the experience and lessons learned from implementation of past and existing programmes.

In the late 1980s, the National Cancer Institute initiated an investigation of cancer risks in populations near 52 commercial nuclear power plants and 10 Department of Energy nuclear facilities (including research and nuclear weapons production facilities and one reprocessing plant) in the United States. The results of the NCI investigation were used a primary resource for communicating with the public about the cancer risks near the nuclear facilities. However, this study is now over 20 years old. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requested that the National Academy of Sciences provide an updated assessment of cancer risks in populations near USNRC-licensed nuclear facilities that utilize or process uranium for the production of electricity. Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities: Phase 1 focuses on identifying scientifically sound approaches for carrying out an assessment of cancer risks associated with living near a nuclear facility, judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of various statistical power, ability to assess potential confounding factors, possible biases, and required effort. The results from this Phase 1 study will be used to inform the design of cancer risk assessment, which will be carried out in Phase 2. This report is beneficial for the general public, communities near nuclear facilities, stakeholders, healthcare providers, policy makers, state and local officials, community leaders, and the media.

This publication focuses on the medical management of individuals involved in radiation emergencies, especially those who have been exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation. Its primary objective is to provide practical information, to be used for treatment decisions by medical personnel during a radiation emergency. It also addresses general and specific measures for the medical management of individuals who have been internally contaminated with radionuclides. This publication is complementary to other publications developed by the IAEA in the medical area of radiation emergencies.

This report is a guide for analytical and radioanalytical laboratories. The protocols described in the report help specialists to improve the quality and reliability of their analysis. The report will help Member State laboratories in developing countries to assess environmental contamination of soils and develop strategies for remediation.