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09 February 2012

Answer to Question #262 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Environmental and Background Radiation — Water

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What sort of protection is required for persons sampling ground water high in alpha and beta radiation? The counts are above 100 pc/l alpha and 1000 pc/l beta. Could a splash cause a potentially dangerous exposure to these employees and, if so, how can they best be protected?

To provide a detailed answer to this question, a list of the likely contaminants and the source of the water would be helpful. Without this knowledge, the consequences of a splash and skin contamination cannot be accurately evaluated. If the radionuclides are known, 10 CFR 20 can be used to obtain conservative assumptions about the annual limited intake (ALI) and expected doses and hazards. In general, the sampler should be advised to avoid contact and take routine precautions against personal contamination. The external exposure rate is not a problem. If alpha contaminants are being used, then the site is probably a licensed site. The RSO should be consulted concerning sampling precautions and requirements for this site.

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