CONTACT RADIATION HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH CONTAMINATED AIRCRAFT

Abstract : This project was conducted to determine whether there is a correlation between readings made with standard gamma survey meters and the effective contact radiation hazard associated with contaminated aircraft. Complete surveys of contaminated airplanes were made with the T1B, JUNO, and PDR-27c, and these readings were compared to surface dose rates taken with special instrumentation and photographic film which were prepared in such a way as to measure empirically the maximum radiation dose rate the most sensitive tissues of the human body would experience if contact were made between the body and the contaminated surfaces. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that multiplication factors of 90 for the impingement surfaces and 40 for other surfaces applied to surface T1B gamma readings will give practical effective surface dose rates of total radiation on the areas of interest. Further studies involving the protective efficiency of gloves showed that a double pair of gloves, thin broadcloth over rubber surgical, provided the most practical hand covering. (Author)