NORM – Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material – is a concern in many industries. And it may be more common than you first think. Here are some frequently asked questions about NORM, as well as an introduction to some recognized guidelines.

What is NORM?
"NORM" describes material derived from the earth’s crust, which contains radioactive elements. Uranium, thorium, potassium and their decay products (e.g., radon gas and radium) are sources of ionizing radiation. NORM is part of our natural environment.

NORM sometimes goes by other names. It may be referred to as TENORM – technically enhanced NORM – to more accurately describe material that has been handled by man and, therefore, has an increased concentration of radioactive material. In the regulatory context, the term naturally occurring nuclear substances is used in legislation administered by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Why is NORM a concern in Canadian workplaces?
Although everyone is exposed to background radiation from the natural environment, some industrial processes will disturb and/or concentrate NORM. Workers involved in these activities - or in the subsequent handling, use, storage, transportation, or disposal of NORM – are at risk of experiencing greater exposure to ionizing radiation.

If radiation levels are high enough exposed individuals could suffer skin burns (from radium), or be at increased risk of leukemia and increased risk of lung cancer. Fetal exposure may also result in an increased risk of cancer after birth.

Which industries or occupations might encounter NORM?

• Tunneling
• Extraction and processing of minerals
• Coal extraction, and from thermal processes which generate coal ash
• Phosphate fertilizer production and waste materials
• Petroleum industry: during production of oil and natural gas; during gas processing; during the transportation and delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• Oilfield waste handling: e.g., process filters, tank scales and sludges, produced sand
• Water treatment processes
• Metal recycling

How is NORM identified and measured?
Usually a screening survey is conducted first, to determine if NORM levels warrant further assessment. Portable instruments can be used in the field to detect radiation sources. The most common procedure involves measuring gamma radiation levels from process equipment. It’s usually supplemented with "pancake probe" monitoring to detect alpha and beta radiation. Surface contamination is usually assessed in operational areas. It may also be necessary to test inside equipment during maintenance and repair. In some cases samples of water, sludge, scale, or other materials are collected and submitted for laboratory analysis.

Personnel conducting NORM surveys should be trained in the proper use of instrumentation, and sampling procedures (collection, handling, packaging, and shipping). They should have practical experience regarding which equipment and process points to test.

How can workers be protected from NORM?
Thorough implementation of a NORM Management Program will protect workers and will also protect the public from radiation associated with the transportation, storage and disposal of NORM. However, there is not a "one size fits all" solution to managing NORM. The protective practices chosen will depend upon many factors, including: NORM source, type of radiation, dose, and process specifics.

Health Canada has published the Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials. As noted in its introduction, the Canadian Guidelines "set out principles and procedures for the detection, classification, handling and material management of NORM in Canada, and also include guidance for compliance with federal transportation regulations". The Canadian Guidelines are generic for all industries and NORM-related activities. They provide the building blocks upon which more specific practices can be based.

Members of the oil and gas sector have been particularly active in developing NORM guidelines. CAPP – the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers – published its Guide: Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material in 2000. It identifies many specific NORM sources in the petroleum industry and provides advice on safe work practices and dealing with NORM contaminated wastes. The waste management issue is more thoroughly addressed in the recent publication: "Technical Report on the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in Waste" (2005). Four alternative means of NORM disposal are recommended. The report also includes a concise chapter on NORM regulatory standards and guidelines.

NORM management is a complex topic that requires the participation of specialists. If you’re responsible for assessing NORM hazards and implementing NORM management practices in your workplace be sure you have the necessary expertise. If in-house resources aren’t available, engage the services of a professional or organization with NORM management experience.