Glossary of Terms Used in DOE NEPA Documents

DOE-HDBK-XXXX-2005

06/30/2005

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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