Challenges to Radiological Control Programs

DOE-HDBK-1184-2004

2.6 Challenges to Radiological Control Programs

Based on the previous discussion, STCs may present the following challenges to a facility's

radiological control program (above and beyond the challenges presented by more

common types and forms of radioactive material):

Because some of the tritium emissions may be shielded by the particle, routine area

monitoring efforts may not yield an accurate assessment of radionuclide levels on

surfaces and dispersed in workplace atmospheres.

The difficulties in area monitoring may cause corresponding difficulties in related

activities, such as posting, labeling, work planning, access control, decontamination,

personal protective equipment handling, and material control and release.

Retention of insoluble tritiated particles in the body may render conventional tritium

bioassay methods (urinalysis) ineffective. While ITPs behave as other particulates that

are inhaled, an acceptable bioassay procedure is not currently available for some types

of ITPs.