Measurement of NORM generated by oil and gas industries in Bahrain

Exposure to natural background ionizing radiation in excess of certain lower limits has been proved to increase the incidents of cancers and leukemias among humans. One of the main contributors to elevated levels of natural background radiation is the technology enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Oil and gas exploration and processing activities usually accompanied with large quantities of NORM. Oil and gas NORM is found in piping, wellheads piping, storage tanks and other installations. Awali and Riffa Views gated communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain are located in areas of extensive oil and gas industrial activities. Oil wellheads and oil pipelines are located in close approximation to the residents¿ accommodation. The aim of this book is to assess the radiation levels in oil and gas fields and their hosting communities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Performing radiological impact assessments facilitate the concerns to have a better control on radiation pollution if the location of risk is known.