Some chemical raw materials may contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as potassium-40 (K-40), uranium-238 (U-238), and thorium-232 (Th-232).
The "Act on Safety Management of Radiation in the Living Environment" manages materials containing such natural radionuclides in excess of a certain concentration as raw materials, and establishes a registration system for those who mine, import/export, or sell raw materials, and for those who manufacture or import/export processed products using said raw materials.
Therefore, it is important for client companies that receive the raw materials and use them in distribution or manufacturing processes to also verify and manage relevant regulations based on usage patterns and annual volumes.
– 원료물질 취급자 및 제조업자의 등록기준
Eligibility for registration is determined based on both the radioactivity concentration of natural radionuclides and the annual handling and usage volume per business site.
In the case of potassium-40 (K-40), the standard is when the concentration exceeds 10 Bq/g and the total amount of radioactivity calculated based on the annual handling and usage of each business is 10,000 kBq or more.
For other naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium-238 (U-238) and thorium-232 (Th-232), the standard is when the concentration exceeds 1 Bq/g and the total annual radioactivity is 1,000 kBq or more.
Among the products currently handled by Naewoe Trading Company, the major items managed in relation to this standard are as follows:.
1. Potassium carbonate
Potassium carbonate is subject to relevant standards due to K-40 contained in natural potassium, and
The confirmed radioactivity concentration of 17.3 Bq/g exceeds the concentration standard of 10 Bq/g for K-40.
Therefore, if the annual handling and usage volume per business establishment is approximately 578 kg or more based on the concentration, it is subject to registration under the “Act on Safety Management of Radiation in the Living Environment.”.
2. Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium bicarbonate is subject to relevant standards due to K-40 contained in natural potassium, and
The confirmed radioactivity concentration of 12.0 Bq/g exceeds the concentration standard of 10 Bq/g for K-40.
Therefore, if the annual handling and usage volume per business establishment is approximately 834 kg or more based on the concentration, it is subject to registration under the “Act on Safety Management of Radiation in the Living Environment.”.
3. Zirconium oxide
Zirconium oxide is subject to relevant standards due to U-238 contained in natural uranium, and
The confirmed radioactivity concentration of 4.11 Bq/g exceeds the concentration standard of 1 Bq/g for K-40.
Therefore, if the annual handling and usage volume per business establishment is approximately 244 kg or more based on the concentration, it is subject to registration under the “Act on Safety Management of Radiation in the Living Environment.”.
If a customer company sells raw materials supplied by domestic or foreign companies, uses them as raw materials, additives, or catalysts for other products in its own manufacturing processes, or produces new products using them, the customer company must also separately manage the applicable matters under the "Act on Safety Management of Radiation in the Living Environment" based on the annual usage amount at the relevant business site, the usage process, and the form of the produced products.
내외상사는 Potassium carbonate, Potassium bicarbonate, Zirconium dioxide 등 천연방사성핵종 관련 관리가 필요한 원료를 관련 법령과 제품별 방사능 정보를 확인하고 수입량 및 연간 취급량을 체계적으로 관리하겠습니다.
We will continue to monitor changes in relevant laws and management standards, and verify the regulatory information required by our clients to build a reliable chemical raw material supply system.
You can check the details of the relevant product below.
→ Potassium bicarbonate Product Details Page
→ Potassium Carbonate Product Details Page
→ Zirconium oxide product details page