The Hong Kong Observatory's Radiation Laboratory has received ISO 9001:2008 accreditation for its radiation measurement services.

Speaking at the ISO certification presentation ceremony today, Observatory Director Dr Lee Boon-ying said it has been conducting environmental radiation monitoring for almost 50 years and its goal has been to provide quality services.

"Firmly based on science, we will continue to enhance the environmental radiation monitoring programme for safeguarding the public," Dr Lee said.

The Observatory started monitoring environmental radiation levels in Hong Kong in 1961 and took part in international programmes on environmental radiation monitoring organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Meteorological Organisation.

In response to the Guangdong nuclear power station project at Daya Bay, the Observatory launched a comprehensive environmental radiation-monitoring programme in 1983 to monitor radiation levels in Hong Kong before and after the power plant opened.

Measurement results over the years show there has been no measurable change in either the ambient radiation levels or the activities of artificial radionuclides in the environment and foodstuffs consumed since the nuclear power plant started operation.