Technologically-enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material

NAS/NRC (1999a). National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. Evaluation of Guidelines for Exposures to Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (National Academy Press, Washington). 

NORM is an internationally adopted acronym for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material while TENORM stands for Technologically-Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. 

Birky, B.K., Tolaymat, T., Warren, B.C. (1998). Evaluation of Exposure to Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM) in the Phosphate Industry. Florida, USA Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. 

Thus, LLRW is defined more by what it is not than by what it is, that is, LLRW is defined by exclusion. LLRW is radioactive waste that is not HLRW, TRU waste, SNF, or byproduct material (commonly referred to as uranium mill tailings). All of these have separate legal definitions. Naturally occurring radioactive material and technologically enhanced NORM are also defined separately from LLRW but are not currently regulated under federal statute. 

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