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Alpha self-absorption in monazite dusts

Journal Article · · Health Physics
 [1]
  1. Dept. of Minerals and Energy, East Perth (Australia)
Measurements have been made of hte self-absorption effects in monazite of alpha particles of the {sup 232}Th decay series. Samples of six size fractions of monazite were deposited on filters at different dust concentrations and then the gross alpha activity determined. Self-absorption effects were negligible in monazite particles up to 8 {mu}m diameter provided dust concentrations were less than 1 mg cm{sup -2}. Significant self-absorption effects occurred for both larger particle sizes and higher dust loadings. As reported AMAD values in the mineral sands industry range up to 15 {mu}m, which is equivalent ot an actual mean size of 8 {mu}m diameter monazite particle, minimal self-absorption occurs in samples collected in air monitoring programs conducted in the industry provided that dust concentrations on the filters are less than 1 mg cm{sup -2}.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
258837
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 69; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English