- Wales leads the United Kingdom with an 11.11% increase in ambient gamma radiation.
- Rhyl recorded the highest difference in ambient gamma radiation levels with an 11.11% rise between normal readings.
- Trawscoed, in Ceredigion, Mid Wales came third with a 9.09% increase.
- Interviews and comments available from SunSkips.
Ambient gamma radiation is on the rise across Wales with some areas affected more than others.
The latest information released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was analysed by SunSkips.
Ambient gamma radiation refers to the natural background level of gamma rays in the environment, originating from cosmic rays, radioactive elements in the soil and radon gas. It can also result from human activities such as nuclear power and medical radiation and is monitored for environmental and health safety.
Rhyl has the highest difference in ambient gamma radiation levels with an 11.11% difference.
Aberporth, in Ceredigion, came second with a 9.09% increase, as its normal reading of 0.11µGy/h rose to 0.12 µGy/h.(µGy/h)
Trawscoed, also in Ceredigion, came third with its reading increasing from 0.11µGy/h to 0.12µGy/h.
There was no change in Mumbles Head, Swansea with readings remained at as 0.09 µGy/h as expected.
St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan experienced the largest decrease, with a 9.09% decrease with a normal reading of 0.11µGy/h coming back as 0.1 µGy/h.
|
Location |
Normal Reading Jan 2025 (µGy/h) |
Jan-25 |
%Difference |
|
Rhyl (Denbighshire) |
0.09 |
0.1 |
11.11 |
|
Aberporth (Ceredigion, Mid Wales) |
0.11 |
0.12 |
9.09 |
|
Trawscoed (Ceredigion) |
0.11 |
0.12 |
9.09 |
|
Aberporth (Ceredigion) |
0.11 |
0.12 |
9.09 |
|
Mumbles Head (Swansea, South Wales) |
0.09 |
0.09 |
0 |
|
Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire) |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0 |
|
Aberdaron (Gwynedd) |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0 |
|
Lake Vyrnwy (Powys) |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0 |
|
Valley (Anglesey) |
0.09 |
0.09 |
0 |
|
Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire) |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0 |
|
St Athan (Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales) |
0.11 |
0.1 |
–9.09 |
Wales has recorded the highest levels of ambient gamma radiation across the United Kingdom with an 11.1% rise.
Northern Ireland ranks second with a 10.55% increase.
In third place came Scotland with a 9.18% increase.
England recorded the smallest increase, with normal site readings rising by 8.98%.
|
Region of UK |
Radiation Highest % Difference |
|
Wales |
11.11 |
|
Northern Ireland |
10.55 |
|
Scotland |
9.18 |
|
England |
8.98 |
Mat Stewart Managing Director of SunSkips commented, “It is a natural reaction to feel nervous when the word radiation is mentioned. There are many myths about nuclear waste, as well as established practices to mitigate potential dangers.
Myth 1: Nuclear Waste will be around for a Thousand Years
“While nuclear waste does remain hazardous for a long time, it is not as dangerous for thousands of years as often depicted. Most nuclear waste, especially from modern reactors, has a relatively short half-life, and advances in waste reprocessing and disposal technologies are making long-term management more feasible. Safe storage in deep geological repositories can also contain waste for millennia without harm.
Myth 2: Nuclear Waste is Unmanageable and Piles Up
“Nuclear waste is highly regulated, carefully managed, and stored in specialised facilities. The amount of waste generated by nuclear power is relatively small compared to other energy sources, and it is typically stored in secure, shielded containers at power plants or designated storage sites. Efforts are ongoing to develop advanced methods for recycling or reducing the volume of nuclear waste.
Myth 3: Nuclear Waste will Leach into Groundwater
“Nuclear waste storage facilities are designed with multiple barriers to prevent contamination of groundwater. Advanced geological disposal methods, such as deep geological repositories, are being developed and used to ensure that waste is stored far below the Earth’s surface, where the risk of leaching is virtually non-existent. These facilities are built with long-term safety in mind, ensuring that waste remains isolated for millennia.
Myth 4: Nuclear Waste is a Major Environmental Hazard
“Nuclear power is one of the lowest-emission energy sources. While nuclear waste does require careful management, it is far less of an environmental hazard compared to the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by fossil fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear waste is a manageable byproduct that does not contribute to air pollution or climate change.
While concerns about radiation are natural, understanding the facts can help dispel common fears and misconceptions.”
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