NORM stands for Naturally Occurring Radio-active Materials. NORM is all around us as background radiation, all of the time. It is part of the earth’s crust and found in very low concentrations in rocks, soil and water. Background radiation emitted from NORM is small and mainly harmless; however, processes such as oil and gas production can cause NORM or TENORM (Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) to build up to levels, that may be harmful to workers’ health or the environment.