Causes of Radioactive Contamination

DOE-HDBK-1106-97

EO3

IDENTIFY the units used to measure radioactive contamination.

When measuring the amount of radioactive contamination (material) on a surface, the

units most commonly used are disintegrations per minute per 100 centimeters squared

(dpm/100 cm2).

Direct reading

Contamination monitors measure radiation emitted by the radioactive material. The

units are normally seen by the monitor as counts per minute (cpm).

Counts per minute (cpm) versus disintegrations per minute (dpm)

There is a direct relationship between the counts recorded and the actual activity

(disintegrations) present. The counter efficiency (expressed as the ratio of cpm/dpm)

is divided into the measured cpm to obtain the activity.

Causes of Radioactive Contamination

EO4

IDENTIFY causes of radioactive contamination.

Radioactive material can be spread to unwanted locations. The following are some causes

of radioactive contamination:

Sloppy work practices, such as cross-contamination of tools, equipment, or workers.

Not wearing gloves, or removing them prematurely.

Poor housekeeping in contaminated areas.