Pollution Prevention

DOE-HDBK-XXXX-2005

06/30/2005

atomic masses ranging from 232 to 246 and half-lives from 20 minutes to 76 million years. Its

most important isotope is fissile plutonium-239. [Derived from NRC Glossary, AHD]

139. POLLUTION PREVENTION. The use of materials, processes, and practices that reduce or

eliminate the generation and release of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances, and

waste into land, water, and air. For the Department of Energy, this includes recycling activities.

(See waste minimization.) [DOE P4]

140. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS). Any compound or a mixture of compounds of

a family of chlorinated organic chemicals that were formerly manufactured for use as coolants

and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment. The manufacture of

PCBs stopped in the United States in 1977 because of evidence that they build up in the

environment and cause harmful effects. PCBs in water, for example, build up in fish and

marine mammals and can reach levels thousands of times higher than the levels in water. It is

not known whether PCBs cause cancer in people, but the Department of Health and Human

Services has determined that PCBs may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The

Environmental Protection Agency has classified all PCBs as Group B2, possible human

carcinogens.[Derived from ATSDR, EPA IRIS]

141. PREVENTION OF SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION (OF AIR QUALITY) (PSD).

Regulations established to prevent significant deterioration of air quality in areas that already

meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Specific details of PSD are found in

40 CFR 51.166. Among other provisions, cumulative increases in sulfur dioxide, nitrogen

dioxide, and PM-10 levels after specified baseline dates must not exceed specified maximum

allowable amounts. These allowable increases, also known as increments, are especially

stringent in areas designated as Class I areas (e.g., national parks, wilderness areas) where the

preservation of clean air is particularly important. All areas not designated as Class I are

currently designated as Class II. Maximum increments in pollutant levels are also given in 40

CFR 51.166 for Class III areas, if any such areas should be so designated by EPA. Class III

increments are less stringent than those for Class I or Class II areas. [See National Ambient Air

Quality Standards (NAAQS).] [Derived from 40 CFR 51.166]

142. QUALITY FACTOR. A multiplying factor applied to absorbed dose to express the biological

effectiveness of the radiation producing it. The numerical values of quality factor are given as

a function of the linear energy transfer in water for the radiation producing the absorbed dose.

[NCRP 94]

143. RAD. A unit of radiation absorbed dose (e.g., in body tissue). One rad is equal to an absorbed

dose of 0.01 joule / kilogram (1 rad = 0.01 gray). (The joule is the SI unit of energy,

abbreviated as J.) [Derived from 10 CFR 20.1004]

144. RADIATION (IONIZING). Particles (alpha, beta, neutrons, and other subatomic particles) or

photons (i.e., gamma, x-rays) emitted from the nucleus of unstable atoms as a result of

radioactive decay. Such radiation is capable of displacing electrons from atoms or molecules

in the target material (such as biological tissues), thereby producing ions. [NRC Glossary]

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