Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
08:20
In Situ Soil Moisture Sensors in Undisturbed Soils
Published on: November 18, 2022
7.8K
Environmental Radiation Monitoring at NBS/NIST From 1960 Through 2000
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3541.
Summary
Environmental monitoring at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) since 1960 shows no radiation effects from site operations. Routine measurements of radiation fields and radionuclides in soil, water, and biota confirm no impact from the NIST Research Reactor or accelerators.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiological Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, has conducted environmental monitoring since 1960.
- This program assesses potential radiological impacts from site operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental monitoring in detecting radiological effluents.
- To determine if site radiological activities have impacted the surrounding environment.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of radiation fields at the site's fence line.
- Analysis of radionuclides in environmental samples (soil, water, biota).
- Utilized diverse instrumentation, equipment, and measurement procedures.
Main Results:
- No measurements from the routine monitoring program have shown results attributable to site radiological work.
- This includes data from the NIST Research Reactor, Linear Electron Accelerator (LINAC), other accelerators, radiochemistry, and sealed source operations.
Conclusions:
- The environmental monitoring program effectively demonstrates no detectable radiological impact from NIST operations.
- Long-term monitoring confirms the safety of radiological work conducted at the Gaithersburg site.
