NORM/TENORM - Naturally Occuring Radioactive Material Services
Based on the new EURATOM regulations on radiation protection, dated May 13, 1996, there is a necessity for the member states of the European Union to evaluate themselves suitable regulations concerning the exposure to natural radiation sources showing compliance with title VII, paragraph 2 of the basic demands of the above mentioned regulations. The exposure of reference persons by material containing enhanced levels of activity due to the natural decay lines of U-238, U-235, Th-232 and K 40 covers the handling of raw material, the succeeding industrial handling and processing as well as removal of residue material.
Because of the enhancement of Norm materials especially in the residues of technical processes the Term TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occuring radioactive material) is used as well.
In Germany e.g. the regulations concerning NORM are realized within the scope of the new radiation protection ordinance where they predominantly deal with work places of NORM-relevance and the re-use and removal of NORM-residues.