The Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University has announced the installation of a gamma ray radiation measurement system (Ambient Gamma Dose Rate) on the roof of the Department of Physics. The system will measure radiation levels from nuclear test explosions and the operation of radiation facilities that could harm people and the environment. The system is 1 of 8 being installed in Thailand by the Office of Atoms for Peace. It will measure gamma radiation levels in the air in real time and send the measurements directly to the data center at the Office of Atoms for Peace for online monitoring, alerting the detection of any unusual levels for further investigation and coordination with relevant agencies.
Measuring and monitoring the levels of gamma radiation in the air (Ambient Gamma Dose Rate) is a method widely used in monitoring and surveillance of radiation hazards caused by human activity. Large radiation leakages can inject radioactive materials into the upper atmosphere, where it can remain for a long time and spread across considerable distance. Gamma radiation is one of the results of radioactive decay and is easier to measure than alpha and beta radiation.
Reports of the level of gamma radiation at air monitoring stations around Thailand will report gamma radiation in two ways:
• by LED display at the Office of Atoms for Peace and
• through the website of the Office of Atoms for Peace (see link below)
The information will be updated daily and levels will be reported in nSv per hour. Gamma radiation levels in the air of less than 100 nSv/hr is considered the normal background level in nature, however if the levels increase beyond natural background levels, it may harm people and the environment. In such a situation the Office of Atoms for Peace will take measures to support public safety and the environment from harmful radiation.
Gamma radiation monitoring system 1:
Level of gamma radiation and Real Time data transmission via GSM network to the Office of Atoms for Peace to monitor threat levels.
Gamma radiation monitoring system 2 :
Level of gamma radiation and Real Time data transmission via modem to the Office of Atoms for Peace to monitor threat levels.
The eight locations in Thailand in which gamma ray measurement system are being installed are:
Bangkok: installed at the Office of Atoms for Peace.
Chiang Mai: installed at Chiang Mai University.
Khon Kaen: installed at the University of Khon Kaen;
Ubon Ratchathani: installed at the Meteorological Center Northeast.
Trad: installed at the Training Research Center of Agriculture.
Ranong: installed at the Research Station for the Development of the Andaman Coast.
Songkhla: installed at the University of Thaksin.
Phayao: to be installed at the University of Phayao (expected completion May 2011).
