Radiation doses and radiation risks for the population of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast

Annual assessment of population exposure levels and dose structure is required to identify priority exposure situations and to substantiate radiation risk management measures at the level of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

Aim of the study: to provide a comparative hygienic assessment of exposure levels and dose structure for the populations of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast in 2014–2023 and to compare associated health risks.

Materials and Methods: radiation-hygienic passports of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast for 2014–2023 were analyzed, together with data from the Federal repository of radiationhygienic passports, the compilations Doses of Radiation Exposure of the Population of the Russian Federation, and the reference series Radiation Situation in the Territory of the Russian Federation; mean individual lifetime radiation risk indices were calculated in accordance with MR 2.6.1.0145-19.

Results and Discussion: over the study period, the average individual annual effective dose from all sources was 3.8–5.2 mSv in Saint Petersburg and 3.2–4.2 mSv in Leningrad Oblast. In 2023, contributions from natural sources reached 72 % and 89 %, respectively; medical exposure accounted for 27 % and 11 %, while other sources contributed less than 1 %. In 2014–2023, medical exposure doses increased (growth rates of 246.6 % in Saint Petersburg and 232.0 % in Leningrad Oblast), with computed tomography providing the main contribution to the collective dose. Radon exposure made the largest contribution to the mean individual lifetime radiation risk in both regions; the risk attributable to medical exposure was higher in Saint Petersburg than in Leningrad Oblast (maximum 8.7 × 10⁻⁵ in 2023 versus 3.4 × 10⁻⁵ in Leningrad Oblast). Technogenic exposure of the population in contaminated areas and within surveillance zones of radiation facilities remained low (≤ 0.1 mSv and ≤ 0.006 mSv).

Conclusion: The findings obtained refine regional prevention priorities, including develpment and implementation of regional radon programs as well as justification and optimization of X-ray examinations.

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