Internal Dose Reduction and Control Techniques

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 104 Internal Dose Control

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

detect gamma and X r ays emitted fro m radioactive

material inside the body. For example, the 235U and

uranium-234 (234U) isotopes of uranium present in

enriched uranium emit X rays that can be detected.

Alpha and beta radiation emitted by material inside

the body is shielded by body tissue and cannot be

detected.

Direct measurement is useful for detecting uranium

that is not easily eliminated by the body. This

method may also be used to estimate an internal

dose. Because of the very low energy and intensity

of gamma rad iation emitted f rom deple ted uran ium,

direct measurements are not effective in detecting

depleted ur anium in the bod y.

Internal Dose Reduction and Control Techniques

The hierarchy for minimization of internal dose is given in

the RCM, Article 316. Engineering controls should be the

primary method of minimizing airborne contamination and

internal exposure to workers, where practicable.

Administrative controls, including access controls and

specific work practices, should be used as the secondary

method to minimize internal exposure. If the potential for

airborne radioactivity still exists after engineering and

administrative controls have been applied, respiratory

protection should be considered. Other specific controls,

such as stay ti mes, worker safe ty, comfort, and efficiency,

are also discussed in Article 316.