The Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network - Pilot Program for Radioactivity in Atmospheric Deposition
Health Canada’s Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network (CRMN) is a national network that routinely collects environmental samples for radioactivity analysis. More information about the CRMN network can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/environmental-contaminants/environmental-radiation/canadian-radiological-monitoring-network.html As part of the regular network, deposition samples are collected from all stations and analysed on an as-needed basis.
Starting in 2020, the CRMN established a pilot program with the goal of measuring the radioactivity of selected isotopes found in total atmospheric deposition, which is comprised of precipitation (rain, snow), particulates, and aerosols. These samples are collected monthly from deposition samplers at network stations and analysed for gross alpha and gross beta, tritium and gamma emitting radionuclides. This dataset represents the results collected during the pilot phase.
Gross alpha and gross beta are an indicator of total radionuclide content and measured by gas proportional counting. If gross activity measurements are elevated, further detailed analysis can be performed. The level of radioactivity from tritium is determined by liquid scintillation counting. Gamma spectroscopy allows for the detection and measurement of specific radionuclides including common naturally occurring beryllium 7, lead 210, and, rarely, man-made cesium 137 & 134, and iodine 131.
The results provide information on radioactivity concentration, uncertainty and the minimum detectable concentration.
- Publisher - Current Organization Name: Health Canada
- Licence: Open Government Licence - Canada
Data and Resources
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The Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network - Pilot Program for Radioactivity in Atmospheric DepositionCSVEnglish French dataset CSV
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Data DictionaryTXTEnglish terminology TXT
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Data DictionaryTXTFrench terminology TXT