Scientists at JRC’s Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) have performed extremely low-level measurements of radioactivity in old steel samples from Hiroshima. These latest measurements provide robust support to Hiroshima dosimetry calculations, which are crucial for our knowledge about the effects of radiation on the human body.
The measurements were successful in resolving a pending discrepancy between computer models and previous measurements (which were almost a factor of 100 too high). The new results support the computer models, and thus provide greater confidence in the existing dosimetry system for radiation protection.