Air Monitoring for STCs

DOE-HDBK-1184-2004

support decisions regarding individual participation in the individual monitoring program.

See Chapter 3 of this handbook for guidance on the area monitoring program for STCs.

4.2 Air Monitoring for STCs

Should an individual monitoring program be required, a decision must be made regarding

the relative merits of radiobioassay versus application of air monitoring results to determine

individual doses. Generally, radiobioassay is the preferred monitoring method for

assessment of individual internal dose. However, 10 CFR 835.209 allows the use of air

monitoring data under certain conditions, including when air monitoring data will provide

more reliable and accurate results. In many cases (as discussed in the remainder of this

chapter), this condition may exist with exposure to certain types of STCs. For more

information on development and implementation of an air monitoring program for purposes

of individual dose assessment, see DOE G 441.1-8 (DOE 1999b), Air Monitoring Guide,

and DOE-STD-1121-98 (DOE 1999h), Internal Dosimetry.

Historically, insufficient information has been available to facilitate development and

implementation of effective radiobioassay programs for certain insoluble STCs with long

biological retention periods. However, there has been a significant amount of recent

research into such programs, the practical results of which are summarized in this

handbook.

4.2.1

Air Monitoring - Area Monitoring vs. Individual Monitoring

It is important to differentiate between the purposes and scope of the various facets

of the air monitoring program. Monitoring of the air in any specified area is usually

performed using portable air samplers, fixed head air samplers, or continuous air

monitors. As a facet of the area monitoring program, such monitoring is subject to

the regulatory requirements found in 10 CFR 835.401 and 835.403. Air monitoring

for the purposes of individual dose determination is usually performed using a lapel

(personal) sampler worn by each affected individual. Because a lapel sampler is

worn by, and monitors the breathing zone of a specified individual, the results of

that sample analysis are applicable to that individual. If such monitoring meets the

conditions of 10 CFR 835.209(b) it may be used to monitor individuals for exposure

to internal radiation. The results of such monitoring may be used to meet the

regulatory requirements in 10 CFR 835.401, 835.402(c), and 835.403. Because air

sampling is distinct from bioassay, the requirements in 10 CFR 835.402(d) for

performance accreditation of radiobioassay analysis do not apply to air sampling

programs.

Note however, that the results of area monitoring (using portable, fixed head, or

continuous air monitors) may be used for individual dose assessment under certain

conditions (given that assurance can be provided that the sample is representative

of the air actually breathed by the affected individual(s)). See section 5.2.4.1c for

guidance on calculating dose from air sampling measurements.