The Da Nang Department of Science and Technology has already prioritised and strengthened the management of radiation safety, radioactive and nuclear security, and the application of atomic energy within the city.

Radiation and nuclear incident response drill in September 2023 at the Da Nang Oncology Hospital. Photo: VIET AN

The goal is to ensure environmental quality and human health safety, contribute to the city’s sustainable socio-economic development, and proactively prevent and respond to potential nuclear radiation incidents.

 

In 2023, the Department advised the issuance of the project “Environmental Radiation Monitoring in Da Nang for the 2023-2027 period”. This project is necessary to systematically monitor and update radiation background data in the city continuously.

 

Its aim is to promptly identify changes and abnormal developments in radiation background and fluctuations in radioactive activities. 

 

It also plans to supplement the frequency and locations of radiation monitoring in areas with potential risks according to the city’s master plan until 2030, with a vision to 2045, as approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 359/QD-TTg dated March 15, 2021. 

 

In 2023, the Department carried out the task “Measurement and Update of Environmental Radiation Background in Da Nang”.

 

Specifically, the unit conducted measurements at 21,442 points across the city for gamma dose rate in the air; completed air environment monitoring and Radon content measurement; and placed dosimeters to collect environmental radiation background at 26 key locations in the city. 

 

It also took and analyzed 48 water samples; 21 soil, mud, and sediment samples; 10 food samples; and 5 biological indicator samples. 

 

The results showed that radiation levels were safe, with no abnormal changes in the environment. All measured data have been updated into the “Radiation Background Map of Da Nang,” forming a database to monitor environmental radiation background changes, supporting state management activities on radiation and nuclear safety in Da Nang.

 

Additionally, the municipal Department of Science and Technology regularly disseminates information and reminds units to review the validity of radiation work permits and implement measures to comply with radiation safety regulations at their facilities. 

 

Over the past year, the department has received, appraised, and issued 71 new radiation work permits, 36 radiation worker certificates, and 20 X-ray diagnostic equipment registration certificates in healthcare. It has also organized radiation safety training courses for radiation workers. Particularly, in September 2023, the city's Radiation and Nuclear Incident Response Steering Committee conducted a radiation and nuclear incident response drill at the Da Nang Oncology Hospital.

 

The activity aimed to strengthen the coordination capabilities of medical facilities and forces under the Steering Committee; enhance the response capability of medical staff; and reassess the readiness status of the response team and equipment in case of a radiation incident. The simulated scenario involved a fire of unknown cause in the hotlab of the Nuclear Medicine Department at the Da Nang Oncology Hospital. Accordingly, relevant units coordinated together to ensure radiation safety.

 

According to Dr. Le Duc Vien, Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, to develop atomic energy, radiation and nuclear safety apps in 2024, the department will continue to enhance the management of nuclear radiation safety control activities, ensuring that 100% of X-ray equipment users are licensed without any safety or security incidents. 

 

The department will also focus on providing radiation safety training courses for managers and radiation workers in the city. 

 

Additionally, the unit will continue organising municipal-level radiation and nuclear incident response drills in 2024, implementing the environmental radiation monitoring project in the city until 2030, and cooperating with research facilities of the Viet Nam Atomic Energy Institute in Da Nang in order to promote the application of radiation technology to serve the socio-economic activities in the city.