Natural radioisotopes have existed on Earth since its creation. The main ones are uranium (²³⁸U, ²³⁵U), thorium (²³²Th), potassium (⁴⁰K) and their daughter radioisotopes. Natural radioisotopes are found not only in soil and minerals, but also in water, air, living organisms, food and building materials.

Artificial radioisotopes are man-made and are produced in the context of applications of nuclear technology and nuclear sciences in industry, energy, healthcare, etc. Their release into the natural environment is likely to have an impact on the population and the environment.

The EEAE is the competent authority for monitoring environmental radioactivity in our country, determining its nature and extent both on a regular basis and in emergency situations, coordinating other authorised bodies, and maintaining the relevant national register. Consequently, it is responsible for promptly notifying the State and the relevant European and international organisations in the event that elevated levels of radioactivity are recorded.

More specifically, the EEAE coordinates and implements (a) the environmental radioactivity monitoring programme and (b) the nuclear security programme, in particular to monitor and combat the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials. In this context:

• it determines radiation levels through laboratory measurements and the telemetry system,
• maintains the national archive of environmental radioactivity measurements and transmits the results to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, as well as to European and international organisations,
• draws up technical reports assessing safety and environmental radiological impacts,
• participates in European and international early warning networks,
• carries out internal dosimetry measurements.

Read more about programme for the monitoring of environmental radioactivity in 2025, as well as the detailed report.