kaasunsuojelu

Kaasunsuojelu is the Finnish term for radiation protection, a field concerned with the measurement, monitoring, and control of ionising radiation to safeguard human health and the environment. The practice is governed by national legislation that aligns with European Union directives and international guidelines set by bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency. Finnish regulations specify dose limits for workers, the public, and the environment, and they detail required methods for assessing radiation exposure from natural background sources, medical procedures, industrial processes, and accidental releases.

Key components of kaasunsuojelu include risk assessment, dose monitoring, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Risk assessment involves identifying all sources of ionising radiation, estimating the potential exposure, and applying the principles of justification and optimisation. Justification requires that any activity involving radiation be necessary and that no viable alternative without ionising radiation exists. Optimisation follows the ALARA principle – keeping exposures as low as reasonably achievable – through shielding, time reduction, and distance maximisation.

For occupational protection, personal dosimeters are worn by employees in medical, nuclear, and research facilities, and recorded dose data are reviewed regularly. Environmental monitoring programs sample air, water, and soil to ensure releases stay below permissible thresholds. Public protection measures, such as emergency evacuation plans, are established for potential radiological incidents.

In Finland, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing kaasunsuojelu. STUK develops guidelines, conducts inspections, and provides certification for protective measures and equipment. Continuous training for professionals in the radiation field is mandatory to maintain compliance and ensure that safety standards evolve with technological advancements.