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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #4129 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Instrumentation and Measurements — Personnel Monitoring (PM)

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

Is it possible to design a badge with radiation-sensitive material on it so that it will change color when exposed to a certain dose? If so, can it be visible on the spot or will it be a film which has to be developed?

There are a number of materials that respond to ionizing radiation by undergoing color changes and have been/are used for detecting/measuring radiation at high intensity levels. These devices operate by way of chemical changes induced by the radiation that result in color transformations. They require quite large doses of radiation to effect visible changes and have been used primarily in applications involving radiation processing of various products. The color changes can often be seen directly with the naked eye, although quantitative assessments of radiation dose delivered are usually made with the assistance of spectrometers or optical readers of various sorts. Please see related answers to previous questions numbers 847, 887, and 1510 on the HPS Ask the Experts Website. There are also many applications of conventional silver bromide emulsion film (similar to photographic film) used in diagnostic x-ray applications and numerous other applications areas; such film requires chemical development to produce a visible image indicative of the radiation exposure.

George Chabot, CHP

Answer posted on 23 November 2004. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.