Radiation protection

Radiation protection measures serve the safety of people and the environment. Their purpose is to avoid the harmful effects of exposure to ionising radiation – e.g. from radioactive material or X-rays – and non-ionising radiation – e.g. from mobile phones or high-voltage power lines. Radiation protection measures are implemented in a range of areas, from workplace health and safety to managing the legacy of decades of nuclear power generation. Various scientific disciplines are involved – from radioecology to civil protection, and from the management of contaminated sites to risk communication.

The Oeko-Institut has a long tradition of conducting research on radiation protection issues. Its researchers have been involved in developing new approaches for mitigating existing radiological impacts and possible accident-related risks. They conduct analyses of the potential impacts of accidents at nuclear power plants located in Germany itself or close to its borders and have contributed to the remediation of contamination resulting from uranium ore mining. They offer a radiation protection perspective in the search for a suitable repository site and in the dismantling of Germany’s nuclear power plants.