Doha, April 20 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, represented by the Radiation Protection Department, plays a pivotal role in strengthening the environmental protection system and monitoring radiological hazards.

It can be considered the safety valve and first line of defense against radioactive pollution, as it oversees the Radiation Data Monitoring and Analysis Unit, the heart of the comprehensive environmental monitoring system.

The unit relies on advanced mechanisms and technologies that enable it to monitor radiation levels in various terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric environments and analyze data with high accuracy and in real time. This contributes to facilitating appropriate decision-making and ensuring the highest standards of protection for both people and the environment.

The Radiation Protection Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has a number of vital responsibilities that form the regulatory and technical framework for the country's radiation safety system.

These responsibilities include preparing regulations, guidelines, instructions, and technical instructions related to radiation protection; formulating the necessary standards and requirements to regulate all practices related to radioactive materials, sources, and radiation-emitting devices, including mechanisms for the safe disposal of radioactive waste in accordance with the highest international standards; developing standards for environmental radiation quality control; and determining national limits for radiation exposure and pollution levels in various environmental components, such as air, water, food, and soil, in coordination with relevant authorities.

The department also works on developing comprehensive nuclear and radiation safety plans, reviewing and approving emergency plans for facilities handling radioactive materials, establishing and operating an early warning network to monitor any potential radiation leaks, reviewing licensing applications for radiological facilities and practices, conducting the necessary inspections for issuing licenses and monitoring their validity, carrying out periodic inspections to verify compliance with established requirements, and taking the necessary legal measures against violations.

Furthermore, it is working on establishing a comprehensive and up-to-date national database of radioactive materials, sources, and related equipment, centrally monitoring and managing radioactive waste disposal processes to ensure environmental safety and protection, and developing the skills and capabilities of national personnel through specialized training programs.

In this context, Eng. Hamad Salah Ibrahim, Assistant Director of the Radiation Protection Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Early Warning and Analysis Unit for Radiation Monitoring is one of the most prominent technical pillars supporting the national preparedness and response system through its continuous coordination with various relevant entities in the country.

He explained that this unit relies on modern programs and technologies, and is fully integrated with a network of radiation monitoring stations strategically located throughout the country. This allows for precise monitoring of radiation levels and assessment of the radiation situation both locally and regionally.

He noted that the unit operates around the clock, seven days a week, to monitor any unusual changes or increases in radiation levels. Data is analyzed and evaluated immediately, supporting decision-makers through advanced systems that include simulation and modeling programs.

The Assistant Director of the Radiation Protection Department added that the team comprises a select group of nuclear engineers and radiation monitors who conduct monitoring, analysis, and evaluation to ensure the highest levels of preparedness in both emergency and routine situation.

He also pointed out that the unit regularly conducts studies and simulation programs based on diverse data, including weather data, forecasts, and atmospheric dispersion models, which enhances the accuracy of assessments and responses.

Concluding his statement to QNA Eng. Hamad Salah Ibrahim explained that the unit also handles international reports received from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in addition to exchanging information with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

This contributes to achieving regional integration in the field of radiation monitoring and analysis, and to reaching the best results in this vital area.

For his part, Eng. (Nuclear) Bader Nasser Al Saadi, Head of the Radiation Measurements Laboratory at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, stated in a similar remarks to QNA that radiation levels in the State of Qatar are within normal and completely safe limits.

He pointed out that the laboratory continues its pivotal role in monitoring and analyzing various environmental samples according to the highest international standards, as part of the state's ongoing efforts to enhance the environmental security system and ensure the safety of society.

He added that the department conducts a large number of radiation analyses annually on diverse samples, including water, soil, food, and materials imported through ports of entry.

He explained that these analyses contribute directly to the early detection of any potential radioactive contamination and support rapid decision-making in emergency situations.

He noted that the operational mechanism is based on three main pillars: monitoring radiation levels in various environmental components, supporting national emergency response plans, and providing data to support decision-makers.

He also said that these efforts enhance the country's preparedness through integration with national entities and the use of the latest technologies, emphasizing that all procedures followed are in line with the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and internationally recognized best practices.

Concluding his remarks to QNA Eng. (Nuclear) Bader Nasser Al-Saadi, Head of the Radiation Measurements Laboratory, affirmed that work is ongoing to develop capabilities and strengthen the monitoring and analysis system, thereby achieving the highest levels of radiation safety for the State of Qatar. (QNA)