<p>Radium is one of the naturally-occurring products of the radioactive decay of the elements uranium and thorium. These have existed since the earth was formed and are present in all rocks. Virtually all rock types have been measured for their naturally-occurring radioactivity and the results are published widely. UK and world-wide experience suggest that the levels of naturally-occurring radioactivity in drill cuttings would be so low that they would not considered to be radioactive waste and assessment of radium releases would be unnecessary.</p>