The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Qatar has taken significant steps to ensure radiation protection in the country. This includes installing advanced devices to detect radiation levels and providing training to custom officials. The International Atomic Energy Agency defines radiation protection as the protection of people from harmful effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. Qatar has made efforts to ensure the safety of foods from radiation or contamination by monitoring custom check posts equipped with inspection devices and trained officials.
The Ministry enforces three radiation protection principles – justification, optimization, and dose limitation, as outlined by the IAEA Fundamental Safety Principles. Radiation doses during justified activities must not exceed certain limit values to protect individuals. Radioactive materials and sources are present in various sectors such as industrial, medical, and research fields. The ministry emphasizes the importance of keeping distance from radiation places like x-ray rooms in hospitals unless necessary. They work to regulate and control all forms of radiation, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous in the country.
Recently, the Ministry organized a training course on radiation basics and detection methods at the Customs Training Center for employees of the General Authority of Customs. The workshop aimed to enhance the skills of inspectors at border check-posts in inspecting radioactive materials and x-ray machines in consignments. This is part of the Ministry’s efforts to increase regulatory work at border crossings and improve the efficiency of monitoring the import and export of radioactive materials for industrial, medical, and research purposes. Advanced radiation detection devices have been imported to ensure compliance with safety limits in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The cooperation with the IAEA is part of a joint program signed in 2022 and continuing until 2027, focusing on training programs, exchange of expertise, enhancing technical capabilities, and calibrating radiation detection devices. This collaboration aims to strengthen the regulatory work on facilities using radioactive materials and ensure they remain within safe limits. The Ministry remains committed to protecting people from harmful effects of ionizing radiation through strict monitoring, training, and regulation.ago.
