Specialists reported that the permissible radiation level for coal should not exceed 300 microrems per hour. If this threshold is exceeded, the coal is considered unsafe for use. Measurements are taken at a distance of approximately 15 centimeters from the coal sample.
As a result of the inspection, the radiation background at the examined trading point was 70 microrems per hour, which is within the normal range.
Ularbek Kudaybergenov, an inspector of the regional environmental supervision department, noted that a significant amount of dust was found in the coal that was inspected, which is a negative indicator of its quality. He emphasized that the minimum size of the coal fraction allowed for sale should be no less than 13 mm, as smaller particles are subject to prohibition.
Almaz Oskonbaev, head of the atmospheric air protection department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, reminded about the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution introduced last year, which prohibits the sale of coal with a fraction of less than 13 mm. He also added that coal can be further crushed during transportation.
Nevertheless, sellers use old beds for sorting coal, the springs of which help to sift out the smaller coal particles.
