Societal aspects of NORM: An overlooked research field. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turcanu, Catrinel; Perko, Tanja; Muric, Melisa; Popic, Jelena Mrdakovic; Geysmans, Robbe; Železnik, Nadja
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 244/245(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Naturally occurring radioactive material -- Social studies -- Stakeholders -- Ethics -- Risk perception -- Health behaviors; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: While technical aspects of exposures to the naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) are well explored, social science research on NORM is scarce, poorly indexed and dispersed across peer-reviewed literature, as well as various academic disciplines. Through an exploratory review of grey literature and a systematic review of scientific peer-reviewed articles published until December 2020, this paper addresses the following questions: (a) What are the societal challenges related to NORM? (b) What type of scientific research is being conducted on the societal aspects of NORM and (c) To what extent do the findings answer the identified challenges? Unfortunately, results of this study demonstrate a research gap related to the social, economic and cultural aspects of NORM management. Although the few existing studies offer some insights, for instance in relation to risk perception and risk communication, most of the societal challenges identified have not been addressed yet. This demonstrates the strong need for evidence based social science studies in order to improve the management of NORM. Highlights: Social science research on NORM is poorly indexed and dispersed across peer-reviewed literature and academic disciplines. There is a research gap related to the social, economic and cultural aspects of NORM management. Key societal aspects: residents' health perceptions, cost of remediation, equity, justice, participation, preservation of community values. There is a strong need for social science research in order to strengthen and broaden the empirical evidence. Future research needs: methodological improvements, social studies for specific NORM situations, longitudinal studies.