Introduction - DOE-HDBK-1141-2001

Introduction

The guidance in DOE-STD-1128-98, Guide of Good

Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in

Plutonium Facilities, should be reviewed in detail

prior to conducting an assessment of plutonium

facilities. The following is a brief overview of the

radiological aspects of plutonium.

II.

Background

Plutonium was first synthesized in the winter of 1940-

41 by a team of scientists at the University of

California. Its potential use in weapons was quickly

identified, and much of the effort of the Manhattan

Project was in the production of sizable quantities of

plutonium. Other uses for plutonium include use as:

Reactor fuel

Heat sources in thermoelectric generators to

power satellites

Components in portable neutron sources

Plutonium is a silvery-white metal that readily

oxidizes to a dull gray color. It can be found in a

variety of physical and chemical forms. Several of

the chemical forms (including the pure metal) are

pyrophoric, so care must be exercised in handling the

material. Because of the pyrophoric nature of

plutonium and its alloys, the preferred form for

storing, shipping, and handling is as plutonium oxide.

III. Radiological properties of plutonium

There are 15 isotopes of plutonium, all

radioactive, beginning with Plutonium-232 and

ending with Plutonium-246. The radioisotopes of

primary interest are Plutonium-238, Plutonium-

239, and Plutonium-240, all of which are primarily

alpha-emitters.

Module 10 - 0