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Radiological Safety Training for Plutonium Facilities
DOEHDBK11452001
Student's Guide
4. Criticality
A criticality event can produce a life-
threatening dose of radiation to those who
are in the immediate vicinity.
Example: A burst of 1018 fissions in a metal
system may produce doses of 600 rad up to
a distance of 30 feet and 100 rad up to
around 70 feet (assuming there is no
shielding). Also, there may be enough heat
generated to melt the system containing the
plutonium. The fission products produced
will create residual contamination and
lasting radiation problems.
LD 50/30: lethal dose at which 50% of an
irradiated population dies with 30 days.
B. Internal exposure hazards
Plutonium is a heavy metal that is chemically
toxic as well as radioactive. Many other heavy
metals such as arsenic, lead, and uranium are also
chemically toxic.
Plutonium is primarily an alpha emitter and is
particularly hazardous if taken into the body. Alpha
particles do not travel far in material, which means
they lose all of their energy in a short distance.
Alpha particles cannot penetrate the dead layer of
skin on the body. However, when they are in direct
contact with our living cells, such as in our lungs,
they are a hazard. Other alpha emitters include
natural radon, which is also an inhalation concern.
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