Radiation measurement data for 2024
The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) provides companies and private citizens, among others, with various radiation-related measurement, calibration and expert services. Some of the measurement data is obtained via an automatic monitoring network, and some are analysed by STUK’s laboratories.
Monitoring of environmental radiation
STUK is responsible in Finland for environmental radiation monitoring, environmental monitoring of nuclear facilities and the operation of the radionuclide laboratory which is part of the monitoring network of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. There is an automatic external radiation monitoring network in Finland which includes approximately 250 measurement stations. The radiation monitoring network produced more than 13 million external radiation dose rate measurements during 2024. In addition, the network generated approximately 1.5 million spectrometry measurements, especially from stations located around domestic nuclear power plants. The particle samplers used for outdoor air radioactivity monitoring produced approximately 400,000 measurements.
Measurement and analysis laboratory
The Measurement and analysis laboratory is responsible for the activity determination of radioactive substances and developing measurement and analysis methods for STUK’s own use. The laboratory maintains and develops a quality system related to laboratory operations. Approximately 1,700 samples from environmental radiation monitoring were analysed last year. The laboratory performed 2,200 radiochemical and gamma spectrometry laboratory analyses as a service and performed 8,600 radon measurements of indoor air.
Dosimetry laboratory
The dosimetry laboratory maintains metrological standards for radiation dose quantities of ionising radiation and radon activity quantities. In addition, the laboratory offers calibration of radiation meters, irradiation of passive targets, radiation meter inspections and testing of radiation appliances. A total of 315 calibration and irradiation certificates were issued to customers in 2024. More than 800 radiation meters were calibrated during the year and a little over 1,000 irradiations were performed.
Regulatory control of non-ionising radiation
In the optical laboratory of the non-ionising radiation monitoring unit, measuring equipment is calibrated and devices that produce ultraviolet radiation or light, including lasers, are tested. The radio laboratory checks the calibration of electromagnetic field meters and measures especially the exposure of consumer products to their users. The SAR laboratory, which is part of the radio laboratory, measures the exposure generated by devices such as mobile phones and smartwatches. Product measurements are carried out as part of market surveillance. In 2024, the SAR laboratory tested the electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones. The optical laboratory studied the intensity of ultraviolet radiation produced by devices intended to cure the adhesive used to attach lash extensions. The unit also provides services to parties that are not under STUK’s regulatory control. These typically include universities and hospitals. In 2024, the unit performed one service for a customer at their premises.
Field and situational picture laboratory
The Field and situational picture laboratory's responsibilities include field measurement operations and radiation monitoring as well as the remote and expert support they require. The laboratory provides remote and expert support in Finland to, for example, Customs and the police.
STUK is responsible for the maintenance of radiation monitoring equipment located at Customs’ premises. The systems send real-time radiation measurement data to STUK’s central database for experts to access. In 2024, radiation monitoring equipment produced over 190 million automated measurements. At STUK, experts checked the origin of approximately 2,300 observations and provided remote assistance to Customs’ field operators, when necessary. The Finnish Customs reported 80 radiation observations, of which approximately 13% required contact with STUK’s expert on call and possible further measures from STUK’s experts.
STUK has prepared a border control measurement strategy that has been reviewed together with Finnish Customs and that is used as a basis for the procurement of new measuring devices. A Finnish Customs and STUK joint situational awareness system is in test use and customs personnel have been trained in the use of the system.