PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY IN THE PRESENCE OF SOFT RADIATION

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Ann. Occupational Hyg.

OSTI ID:4754117

Langmead, W A

The use of the film badge dosimeter, for the measurement of personal doses of ionizing radiation, is discussed from the point of view of the potential accuracy of the method and its limitations, particuiarly when used under conditions involving soft x radiation. The use of diagnostic filters in the badge for the analysis of the incident radiation spectrum is considered essential for high accuracy and the importance of correct calibration conditions is emphasized. The measurement of BETA -radiation is considered briefly and the relation between film blackening and absorbed doses in the organs of the body at risk is discussed from the point of view of reduction of errors. The use of a filter of low atomic number enables a reliable estimate to be made of the energy distribution of the radiation incident on the film by the measurement of the ratio of the apparent doses giving rise to the blackening in that part of the film under this filter and the blackening produced in the unfiltered area. In addition, errors in measurement may be controlled by attention to calibration procedure. The backscatter factor should also be considered. It was concluded that in using near monochromatic radiation it is possible to evaluate the doses appropriate to personnel film blackenings with an accuracy of plus or minus 20% or better. For mixed radiations, especially if substantial components of soft x rays and BETA rays are present in the incident beam, the inaccuracies are somewhat greater, and for high accuracy the use of filters in the film badge design becomes a necessity. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-016433
• OSTI ID: 4754117
• Journal Information: Ann. Occupational Hyg., Journal Name: Ann. Occupational Hyg. Vol. Vol: 4
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BETA DETECTION
BODY
DOSEMETERS
ENERGY
ERRORS
INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTATION
MEASURED VALUES
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
PERSONNEL
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM DETECTORS
RADIATION EFFECTS
SPECTRA
STANDARDS
X RADIATION