What type of monitoring involves measuring environmental radiation levels?

Environmental monitoring focuses specifically on measuring radiation levels in the environment. This type of monitoring assesses the radiation exposure in various settings, such as air, water, soil, and biological systems. It is essential for understanding background radiation levels, detecting any unusual increases due to events such as nuclear accidents, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This monitoring helps protect public health and the environment by providing data that can inform policy decisions and emergency response strategies.

In contrast, personal, occupational, and biological monitoring are more focused on individual exposure or effects on humans rather than the broader scope of environmental radiation levels. Personal monitoring tracks radiation doses received by individuals, typically in occupational settings. Occupational monitoring assesses workplace conditions to ensure that employees are not exposed to harmful radiation levels. Biological monitoring evaluates the effect of radiation on biological systems, often using biological samples to assess exposure levels in individuals.