Glossary of Terms Used in DOE NEPA Documents

DOE-HDBK-1188-2006

Appendix

Glossary of Terms Used in DOE NEPA Documents

ABSORBED DOSE. For ionizing radiation, the energy imparted to matter by ionizing radiation per

unit mass of the irradiated material (e.g., biological tissue). The units of absorbed dose are the rad and

the gray. (See rad and gray.) [Derived from DOE 5400.5, 10 CFR 20.1003]

ACCELERATOR. A device that accelerates charged particles (such as electrons, protons, and

atomic nuclei) to high velocities, thus giving them high kinetic energies. (Kinetic energy is the energy

associated with motion.)

Add, as appropriate:

The accelerated particles may be used in industrial and medical applications or in research on nuclear

or subnuclear phenomena.

[Derived from Fermilab, LBL]

ACCIDENT. An unplanned event or sequence of events that results in undesirable consequences.

[Derived from DOE G 420.1-X, DOE-STD-3009-94]

ACTINIDE. Any member of the group of elements with atomic numbers from 89 (actinium) to 103

(lawrencium) including uranium and plutonium. All members of this group are radioactive.

[Derived from ESTD]

ACUTE EXPOSURE. A single, short-term exposure to radiation, a toxic substance, or other

stressors that may result in biological harm.

Pertaining to radiation, the exposure incurred during and shortly after a radiological release. Acute

exposure involves the absorption or intake of a relatively large amount of radiation or radioactive

material. [Derived from Suter, HPRH]

AIR POLLUTANT. Generally, an airborne substance that could, in high enough concentrations,

harm living things or cause damage to materials. From a regulatory perspective, an air pollutant is a

substance for which emissions or atmospheric concentrations are regulated or for which maximum

guideline levels have been established due to potential harmful effects on human health and welfare.

[Derived from EPA Terms]

*A key to the abbreviations used to designate sources is presented at the end of the glossary.

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