Recent Bremsstrahlung-based Assays of 210Pb in Lead and Comments on Current Availability of Low-Background Lead in North America

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Applied Radiation and Isotopes

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.03.001· OSTI ID:1608103

Keillor, Martin E. ^[1]; Aalseth, Craig E. ^[1]; Arnquist, Isaac J. ^[1]; Eggemeyer, Tere A. ^[1]; Fuller, Erin S. ^[1]; Glasgow, Brian D. ^[1]; Hoppe, Eric W. ^[1]; Morley, Shannon M. ^[1]; Myers, Allan W. ^[1]; Orrell, John L. ^[1]; Overman, Cory T. ^[1]; Seifert, Allen ^[1]; Shaff, Sarah M. ^[2]; Thommasson, Kimbrelle S. ^[1]

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1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
2. Battelle PNNL

Abstract Low-background lead for radiation measurement shielding is often assayed for 210Pb to ensure acceptable backgrounds. Samples of lead assayed with a germanium spectrometer calibrated for bremsstrahlung-based assay of 210Pb provide a view into the 210Pb content of commercial lead in the U.S. (other than stockpiled Doe Run lead). Results suggest that the loss of lead smelting in the U.S. has eliminated the traditional supply of “low background” lead (~30 Bq·kg-1), and indicate current commercial supplies contain roughly an order of magnitude higher 210Pb levels.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1608103
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-120723
• Journal Information: Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Journal Name: Applied Radiation and Isotopes Vol. 126
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Low background
gamma spectroscopy
lead
bremsstrahlung
Bi-210
210Bi
Pb-210
210Pb