Dosimetry of Criticality Accidents Using Activations of the Blood and Hair

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The radiation dose received by a person in a criticality accident can be determined with reasonable accuracy from the activity induced in the blood or in the hair. Both methods require a knowledge of the neutron spectra and the exposure conditions. Results from numerous criticality studies were compiled as a guide for neutron dose evaluations based on blood and hair activation. A technique is described in which a combination of these blood and hair activations can be used to determine the neutron dose. This evaluation technique is independent of the person''s orientation; shielding provided by walls, equipment, etc. (except for massive shielding by metals); and the neutron leakage spectra. The technique improves the accuracy of the dose determination, especially if there is little information available on the exposure conditions. This estimate is normally accurate to within .+-. 20-30%. The .gamma.-to-neutron ratio and its use in establishing the .gamma. dose (if no .gamma. exposure data is available) or the neutron dose (if the .gamma. exposure is known) are also discussed. The use of a G-M instrument at the abdomen is discussed and curves are given to convert the G-M readings to neutron dose. A simplified counting procedure for hair activation is recommended.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: