The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on ‘Retrospective Dosimetry’ has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements.

Grinding and milling processes lower the intensity of the ultraviolet emission band of alkali feldspars. The luminescence spectra of aliquots of natural transparent adularia from Saint Gothard, Switzerland, that were crushed at different energies, show the irreversible collapse of the UV 290 nm peak. Simultaneously, the 390 nm blue emission increases in accordance with the milling treatment, which reduces the presence of ionic charge compensators (Na⁺) and sensitizes the structure (producing [AlO₄]° centers). The annihilation of the 290 nm UV peak by crushing could be linked with cracks-strain-exsolution features of the lattice of adularia. For this reason, the use of this 290 nm peak and energetic milling treatments in dating and dosimetric routines, should be rejected.