Residual radioactivity (radioactivation) - DOE-HDBK-1141-2001

Radiological Assessor Training

DOE-HDBK-1141-2001

Student's Guide

concern directly downstream of targets and

beam dumps.

B. Residual radioactivity (radioactivation)

Radioactivation is the process by which materials

become radioactive. It is commonly referred to

as "induced radioactivity" or simply "activation."

Generally energies above 10 MeV are needed to

activate materials.

Activated materials will continue to emit radiation

after shutoff of the beam. The length of time

depends on the half-life and quantity of the

activated element.

1. Contaminated materials versus activated

materials

Contaminated materials are considered to be

items with removable surface contamination.

Activated materials are considered to be

volume contamination, meaning the

radioactive materials are dispersed

throughout the items.

Activated materials normally do not present a

potential loose contamination hazard except

during activities such as:

Grinding

Burning

Machining

Handling filters of coolant water

Activated materials are normally controlled

based on the residual external radiation dose

rate.

Module 13 - 7