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Estimation of radionuclide content in contaminated laundry
1Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Lab, Idaho Falls 83415, USA. bschrade@inel.gov
Health Physics
|August 2, 2001
Summary
Radioactively contaminated laundry, including respirators, can be shipped as "limited quantity" if radionuclide content is quantified and below A2 limits. Using specific containers and maintaining low radiation levels ensures compliance with transportation regulations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Safety
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Radioactively contaminated laundry requires specialized off-site processing.
- Current regulations (49 CFR 173.421) mandate characterization and quantification of radionuclides for limited quantity shipments.
- Establishing a consistent method for estimating radionuclide content is crucial for compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a method for estimating radionuclide content in contaminated laundry and respirators.
- To compare estimated radionuclide levels against regulatory limits (49 CFR 173).
- To determine shipping compliance criteria for limited quantity radioactive laundry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the highest activity waste stream as the source term for conservative estimations.
- Quantified radionuclide content and compared total quantities to A2 limits.
- Measured external radiation levels on shipping containers using an ion chamber.
Main Results:
- A method for estimating radionuclide content in contaminated laundry was successfully documented.
- The highest activity waste streams were used to ensure conservative estimations.
- Shipment in an Interstate Nuclear Services (INS), L-59, container with contact radiation levels not exceeding 0.5 mR/h ensures compliance with 49 CFR 173 for limited quantity shipments.
Conclusions:
- The documented method provides a reliable way to estimate radionuclide content in contaminated laundry.
- Compliance with 49 CFR 173 for limited quantity shipments can be achieved by adhering to specific container and radiation level guidelines.
- This facilitates safe and compliant transport of radiologically contaminated laundry and respirators.
