THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION AND THE VALUE OF THE MAXIMAL PERMISSIBLE DOSE

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962 · Radiologe (West Germany)

OSTI ID:4053417

Muth, H; Oberhausen, E

Environmental radiation results from cosmic rays, from radioactive materials in the surface of the earth, in air, and in construction materials. The intensity of cosmic radiation increases with the geomagnetic latitude and the distance above sea level. Much of the environmertal gamma radiation is produced by radioactive decay products of the Ra and Th series, as well as by /sup 40/K. Some radiation exposure results from incorporntion of these radionuclides irto the body by way of air, drinking water, and foodstuffs. Whole-body counter measurements show that /sup 40/K concentrations are related partially to age and sex. Unlike /sup 40/K, most of the /sup 226/Ra is incorporated into bone. Most radiation effects on bone are caused by the long-lived decay products of Rn. The body distribution of metals of the Th series is similar to, but less than, that of /sup 226/Ra. The present value of the maximum permissible concertration (MPC) is applicable to chronic radiation exposure or small radiation doses intermittently administered. Because of their differences in sensitivity to radiation, values of the MPC have been established separately for blood-forming organs, gonads, and lens of the eye; skin and thyroid; and other organs. Additional considerations are applied to the exposure of particular groups of persons. One such group is radiation workers, who are limited to an average permissible weekly dose of 0.1 rem, and to a rate of dose accumulation that does not exceed 3 rem for any single dose. Dosages to the hands, arms, and feet may exceed those permitted for the flrst two organ groups mertioned above. The radiation hazard to the general population of childbearing age is more related to the possibility of genetic damage than to the possibility of somatic damage. (BBB)

• Research Organization: Universitat des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Ger.
• NSA Number: NSA-18-018105
• OSTI ID: 4053417
• Journal Information: Radiologe (West Germany), Journal Name: Radiologe (West Germany) Vol. Vol: 2; ISSN RDLGB
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: German

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
AGE
AIR
BLOOD FORMATION
BODY
BONES
CONTAMINATION
COSMIC RADIATION
DECAY
DISTRIBUTION
ENVIRONMENT
EYES
FOOD
GENETICS
HALF-LIFE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
IRRADIATION
MAN
MEASURED VALUES
MEDICINE
MPC
PERSONNEL
POPULATIONS
POTASSIUM 40
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOACTIVITY
RADIUM
RADIUM 226
RADON
SENSITIVITY
SEX
SKIN
THORIUM
THYROID
WATER