Measuring Radioactive Contamination - doe-hdbk-1106-97

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

It may be released when the surface is disturbed (buffing, grinding, using

volatile liquids for cleaning, construction, etc.).

Over time it may "weep," leach, or otherwise become loose or transferable.

2. Removable/transferable contamination

Removable/transferable contamination is contamination that can be readily

removed or transferred from surfaces.

It may be removed or transferred by casual contact, wiping, brushing, or

washing.

Air movement across this type of contamination could cause the

contamination to become airborne.

Airborne contamination

Airborne contamination is contamination suspended in air.

This creates a particular hazard because of the possibility of intake by inhalation.

Inhalation is the most common mode of uptake of radioactive material in the

working environment. In addition to the hazard to the worker, radioactive

materials may be carried into ventilation systems, the material may be deposited

on surfaces over a large area, and there is the potential for releases outside of the

facility.

Measuring Radioactive Contamination

Because radioactive contamination is radioactive material, the units are the same,

e.g., disintegrations per minute (dpm) for both.