Measurements of air concentrations of thorium during grinding and welding operations using thoriated tungsten electrodes

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199505000-00014· OSTI ID:249957

Crim, E M ^[1]; Bradley, T D ^[2]

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1. Dow Elanco, Indianapolis, IN (United States)
2. Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI (United States)

An evaluation was performed to determine whether thorium was present in concentrations above the derived air concentration during grinding and welding operations using thoriated tungsten electrodes. A few of the advantages of using thoriated tungsten electrodes in industry include easier arc starting, greater stability, and reduced weld metal contamination. The electrodes used in this evaluation contained 2% thoria (thorium oxide) and were either 2.4 mm or 3.9 mm in diameter. Personal breathing zone and area air samples were collected for the experienced welders participating in this evaluation during grinding operations. The results during the grinding operations for personal and area air samples were generally below the derived air concentration (DAC) for {sup 232}Th for solubility class Y of 0.04 Bq m{sup -3} (1 x 10 {sup -12} {mu}Ci mL{sup -1}) as per 10 CFR 20. The area samples collected during welding operations were below the DAC.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 249957
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 68; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
CONTAMINATION
ELECTRODES
GRINDING
INHALATION
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION MONITORING
SOLUBILITY
THORIUM
THORIUM COMPOUNDS
TUNGSTEN ALLOYS
WELDING