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A quick method for estimation of long-lived alpha activity in work atmospheres
G K Srivastava1, A Ramakrishna Rao, A Y Balbudhe
1Health Physics Unit, NFC, Radiation Protection Section (NF), Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, PO: ECIL, Hyderabad-500062, India. gks@nfc.ernet.in
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|June 12, 2003
Summary
Quickly assess long-lived alpha activity in workplace air by overcoming radon and thoron progeny interference. This method allows for accurate air monitoring within 8 hours, improving safety protocols.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiation Monitoring
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Accurate measurement of long-lived alpha activity in workplace air is crucial for safety.
- Radon and thoron progeny commonly interfere with these measurements, necessitating long delay times.
- Conventional methods require a 5-day delay for interfering activity to decay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for rapid assessment of long-lived alpha activity.
- To eliminate interference from radon and thoron progeny in air samples.
- To reduce the required delay time for air activity measurements.
Main Methods:
- Analyzing the pattern of alpha count rates from radon and thoron progeny.
- Developing a mathematical or empirical model to subtract interfering counts.
- Validating the proposed method against conventional techniques.
Main Results:
- A method for estimating long-lived alpha activity is proposed.
- The new method allows for assessment within an 8-hour delay time.
- Interference from radon and thoron progeny is effectively mitigated.
Conclusions:
- Rapid reporting of long-lived alpha activity is achievable.
- The developed method enhances the efficiency of air monitoring in operating plants.
- This approach improves the ability to implement timely corrective control measures.