Mangaluru: Mangalore University here has set up a state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity to cater to the research needs of various groups working on radioecology and environmental radioactivity.

After inaugurating the centre last evening, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Director K N Vyas appealed to the faculty and students to make the best use of the facility.

Industries like thermal power plants could also use the Centre for testing their products for radioactivity, he said.

University Vice Chancellor K Byrappa said the centre is equipped with the countrys first Atomic Energy Regulatory Board-accredited laboratory which would help food and beverage industries in the region for checking radiation level in their products.

Besides carrying out research, the centre would facilitate testing of spices, packaged water, pharmaceuticals and other food material meant for export and for public consumption in the country.

As per international standards, food and beverage products should be free of radiation for exports and CARER would issue a certificate after testing them, he said.

BARC Associate Director K S Pradeep Kumar asked the centre to do an epidemiological study of cancer cases and other health issues in places around the Kaiga nuclear plant.

Though the radiation level in these areas was low, there had been apprehensions that the residents would develop cancer, which could be removed if CARER conducted a study of cancer cases in the areas, he said.