Radiation Measurement and Assessment

The Observatory operates an Environmental Radiation Monitoring
Programme to monitor radiation levels in Hong Kong. The programme,
begun in 1987, entails the collection and measurement of samples of air,
water, soil and food regularly at several sites in Hong Kong.
Measurements from 1987 to 1991 were analysed to determine Hong
Kong's background radiation levels and the results published in early 1993.
Thereafter, bulletins on the prevailing radiation levels have been published
annually. A network has also been established for continuous monitoring
of the ambient gamma dose rate in Hong Kong and to warn of any
deviation from normal levels. Data are disseminated to the media daily and
published in a bulletin every month.

In any emergency, the Observatory will intensify radiation monitoring and
assess the radiological and meteorological information collected to
estimate the transport, dispersion and deposition of any radioactivity over
Hong Kong. It will also give the government technical advice on any
necessary counter-measures.

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