[en] Methods for the preparation of hair samples and soft tissue samples employed in instrumental neutron activation analysis and in electron probe microanalysis are given. Realistic values of detection limits for liver, muscle, hair and nail samples are found for different irradiation and counting conditions in both techniques. The variation of flux in the reactor core affects the intensity of the activity produced in the sample, so method and results of measurement of these variations were investigated and are presented. Hair and nail samples collected from a selected population group in Africa were analysed using the above described techniques, as were hair samples collected from breast cancer patients and both sets of results are given. The distribution of some elements along selected lines on the hair cross section were studied using the electron probe microanalyser, whereas the elemental content of microvolumes in both pigmented and matrix areas in the hair cross section were looked at using the transmission electron microscope with electron probe microanalyser. Cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues were analysed for their elemental content. (author)

[en] Short communication

[en] A product-overlap type gamma irradiation facility with wet storage was put into operation recently in Damascus, Syria and its technical specifications were controlled by dosimetry commissioning experiments and compared to the data specified by the supplier. In the course of this procedure detailed dose mapping using different density products was carried out, and thus the minimum and maximum dose locations within the product boxes were determined. Using these data the plant efficiency and the dose uniformity ratio have been calculated. The dose distribution was also determined vertically along the product carrier. The results were then analyzed with respect to the construction of the facility

[en] Full text: In answer to the question, 'What are the main problems in operational implementation of radiation protection standards', the author identifies several and these are summarized below. The first problem is due to the fact that in most cases practices began a long time before the setting of standards. The standards were established after countries had widely applied the many applications of atomic energy and radioisotopes. This resulted in a lack of personal monitoring over a long time. It was years before any exposure record was established for radiation workers in developing countries. Moreover, if any accident happened, it was not reported officially. The right of occupational workers to compensation was lost. This affected the later practices as workers developed bad practices in handling radioactive sources and harmful work habits. Working without guides or standards will result in work difficulties with regard to changing habits or observing new rules and procedures. The second problem is that in most developing countries, and for reasons of 'catching up', standards may not reflect the real situation of the country. This is mainly due to the translation of such standards from another language having been undertaken by non-specialists or persons inexperienced in the field of radiation practices. In some cases even the objectives may be lost in translation, not to mention that standards prepared for one region may not necessarily be applicable to another owing to differences in the governmental system or even to human attitudes. The third problem in implementation is that relating to the preparation of the standards themselves. Most developing countries suffer a lack of well-qualified specialists. Also, owing to poor communication between users, administrators and scientists, the quality of the prepared standards themselves may be poor and they may contain many contradictions which, if discovered during their implementation, may lead to their not being applied. In developing countries, the composition of committees responsible for setting standards can create some problems. Some will be only members because they are holding high degrees. The feedback for applications and how it affects the revision of poorly or well written standards has a large impact on the quality of standards and their implementation. The fourth problem in the implementation concerns the methods of how the standards documents are prepared and distributed. The language of the standards helps in clearing up any misinterpretation. The availability of all documents and the distribution and reminding of all occupational workers and other authorities of their availability will contribute to reducing the problems of operational implementation of standards. The fifth problem in operational implementation of standards is the lack of experienced and qualified regulatory staff in most developing countries. Also, there is a lack of good training programmes on those parts of the standards relevant to operators, regulators and inspectors. We found that the education, training and safety culture of these groups are the main keys with which to overcome all the operational problems in the implementation of radiation protection standards. (author)

[en] Hair samples from breast cancer patients were collected at the same time as tumour and normal tissues obtained during mastectomy, in order to determine elemental concentrations and investigate whether hair can act as an epidemiological monitor of the disease. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used and concentrations for Na, Mg, S, Cl, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, Br, I, Sb, Ba, Au and Hg in the hair samples measured. No strong correlations were found between the concentrations of Cl, Cu, Zn and Br in hair and those in tumour tissues and in normal tissues. The level of Zn in the patients hair is low and that of Ca very high

[en] Since phosphate contains uranium, workers in phosphate mines may be expected to be exposed to radioactive elements from this source. Uranium is concentrated in three main areas in the body: bone, liver and kidney. The author chose three carriers of uranium, blood, urine and hair to study the relationship between uranium concentration and the number of working years spent in the mine. Uranium was measured in samples from workers and their families by fluorimetry. The quenching effect of blood, urine and hair on uranium standards was determined. The results show that uranium concentrations (in blood) increase with the number of working years in the mine. In addition, it has also been determined that uranium concentrations in blood samples of families living near the mine are higher than those in families living in Damascus city. Finally, it has been found that hair is not a good biological indicator for this type of study. (author)

[en] short communication

[en] Abstract only

[en] Uranium content in dicalcium phosphate (DCP), prepared from the Syrian phosphoric acid (SPA) and the products utilizing it directly in yeast and alcohol factories, has been followed. It has been found experimentally and by calculations that the amount of uranium transferred from the SPA to both DCP and baker's yeast was negligible and of no practical significance for the materials that may be added to, such as poultry diets, flour, paste and others. It may be concluded from these results that uranium would not be the primary obstacle for using the crude SPA (or uranium-free) or its products as a direct alternative. (author). 22 refs., 2 tabs., 1 fig

[en] The Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS) is the sole responsible organization in the Syrian Arab Republic for radiation protection and nuclear safety. The Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Office (RNRO) assures compliance with national radiation protection regulations and practices by registrants and licensees. AECS has established nine Monitoring Stations at entrances to the Syrian Arab Republic. Recently, a new radiation monitoring system was installed at four Monitoring Stations. (author)