Naturally Occurring Radiation Materials Workshop

Naturally Occurring Radiation Materials (NORMs) are radioactive materials concentrated during anthropological activities. Those who are working in such an environment may inhale or ingest NORMs which ultimately may induce cancer for Workers. The workshop will focus on awareness training and the prevention of such effects. The session will feature keynote speakers, researchers, and panel discussions covering topics such as sources of NORMs, the Impact of NORMs on the workers, and possible litigation/claims. The event will bring together the gas, mine, road construction, and oil industries leaderships/stakeholders, academics, and experts, to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices for the prevention of NORM effects on workers.

The mine owners/stakeholders have not seriously monitored the NORM irradiation of the mine workers. New technology has been developed to determine NORM irradiation long after the mine worker has left or retired from work. These techniques may identify radiation-induced cancer in mine workers/or retired mine workers. The current situation is that mine owners/stakeholders are not vigilant in training mine workers on the safety/awareness of NORMs. It is important to note that all mines have NORMs,  the absence of radiation awareness training may lead to litigation/lawsuits. The experience of asbestos companies facing litigations must be a lesson not to be repeated by the other mine owners/stakeholders regarding NORMs.