National Atomic Energy Agency

The new map show the current measurements originating from the Permanent Monitoring Stations (PMS) – after clicking go to "Menu", select "Stacje PMS", and then click on "Moc dawki" (dose rate). Users may use all available map backgrounds to get as complete spatial information as possible; the available maps are:

• OpenStreetMap – widely accessible map used in navigation;
• ortofotomapa – a map composed of birds eye view images;
• surface shading and hypsometry – a map representing the elevation of terrain;
• background map BDOO & BDOT10k – a map representing the main road network in Poland;
• simple maps showing Poland’s borders, provinces and main rivers.

The users of the PAA’s new map portal may read the measurements originating from each PMS by clicking on a desired location. We also provide historical data – everyone may check the readings of the measuring equipment in the selected time-range. The results are available in 2 formats – as a table or a graph.

The legend is adjusted to meet the data publishing standard of the European radiation monitoring system EURDEP https://remap.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Consent/Simple.aspx.

A new radiation monitoring map in Poland is one of the elements of the PAA’s Computer Centre for Data Analysis – Komputerowe Centrum Analizy Danych (KCAD). KCAD is a state-of-the-art tool that facilitates the work of experts in charge of the ongoing assessment and analysis of the radiation situation. The centre is the integrated IT system – composed of radiation monitoring database and tools for detailed analysis and reporting.

A new map is a prospective portal. Soon, the PAA wants to add the measurements originating from the nine TDSG2 channel spectrometers of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (GIOŚ – IMiGW). We will also publish the results of laboratory tests for radioactivity from various samples (e.g. Baltic Sea water, surface water, soil) and food.

The results of each PMS measurement shown on the map are provided in nanosieverts per hour (nSv/h). The readings differ by location and local conditions (terrain, geological structure etc.).

In most cases, the stations installed as part of Poland’s radiation monitoring show the values below 0.1 µSv/h. Single devices record the dose rate of more than 0.1 µSv/h in dry weather. During rain, especially preceded by a long period of drought, a natural background of ionising radiation may temporarily rise to 0.2 µSv/h, and in certain cases even to almost 0.3 µSv/h.

Attention! These values are within normal range and should not give rise to concerns.

The value exceeding 0.3 µSv/h in Poland requires verification of the source of elevated radiation levels. Let us not forget that in many places across Europe 0.3 µSv/h is a natural background. Should the radiation exceed the normal range, PAA will issue a relevant statement. Currently, the radiation situation is within normal range – there is no risk to human health and life and the environment. The Agency continuously monitors the radiation situation in Poland– 24/7.

The system of the national monitoring of the radiation situation is currently composed of more than 70 measurement devices, with 40 PAA’s PMS. Since 2016, the Agency has been expanding the system. Over the past years, PAA purchased ca. 50 state-of-the-art PMS, which are being installed in new locations, also alongside Poland’s eastern border. The obsolete devices are replaced. The development of the radiation situation monitoring system is chiefly an effect of the Polish Nuclear Power Programme, i.e. the construction of nuclear power plants in Poland. According to the Programme, Poland will have ca. 150 PMS by 2033.

How does radiation monitoring work? – watch the film