GLOSSARY

Background radiation definition

Published by a LexisPSL Energy expert

What does Background radiation mean?

This is radiation which comes from cosmic and geological sources and from nuclear weapons testing and to which we are all exposed. Typical examples include naturally-occurring radioactive materials (e.g. radon which is associated with the decay of uranium and/or as an induced fission product of thorium both of which naturally exist in small quantities in granite) and global fallout which exists in our environment as a result of nuclear weapon testing. Radiation which comes from sources, byproduct, or special nuclear materials subject to regulation by the ONR would not come under this definition. The typically quoted average individual exposure from background radiation is 360 millirems per year / 3,600 micros.

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Radiation Protection

Radiation Protection Brexit impact—Euratom and the UK Nuclear Sector As of 31 January 2020 (exit day), the UK ceased to be an EU Member State. However, at this point in time, the UK entered a transition/implementation period during which it continued to be treated by the EU as a Member State for many purposes. The UK’s exit from the EU also meant the UK’s exit from the Euratom Community. 11pm (GMT) on 31 December 2020 marked the end of the Brexit transition/implementation period. At this point in time (referred to in UK law as ‘IP completion day’), key transitional arrangements come to an end and significant changes begin to take effect across the UK’s legal regime. The UK’s exit from the EU also meant the UK’s exit from Euratom. Any changes relevant to this content will be set out below. On 24 December 2020, the UK government announced it had agreed the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), which is supplemented by a number of associated declarations and agreements including a separate Nuclear Co-operation Agreement (NCA) with the EU/Euratom. It also contains a number of placeholders and commitments in respect of further agreements to follow. For more information on the TCA and the NCA, see Practice Note: EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement—quick guide and News Analysis: Energy markets in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement UK and EU leaders

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