THE ENVIRONMENT
Background Radiation
As part of an international network, the Royal Observatory has been monitoring atmospheric radioactivity since 1960 to determine the global air transport of radioactive dust and other contaminants. In response to public concern over the safety aspects of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station being constructed about 50 kilometres to the north east of Hong Kong, the Royal Observatory's monitoring activity has been expanded into a Background Radiation Monitoring Programme. The programme aims at establishing an accurate baseline of the background radiation levels in Hong Kong prior to the commissioning of the nuclear power plant so that any future change in radiation levels arising from the operation of the station can be assessed.
In addition to the Central Radiation Laboratory at King's Park, three atmospheric sampling stations have been set up at Yuen Ng Fan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Sha Tau Kok to sample atmospheric particulates and deposition as well as to monitor the direct gamma- radiation levels using high-pressure ionisation chambers. A survey vehicle equipped with radiation monitors is used to perform territory-wide radiological surveys. Extensive alpha, beta and gamma measurements of air, water, soil and foodstuffs are carried out. --
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