Radiation hazard from americium-beryllium neutron moisture probes

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1976.03615995004000040015x· OSTI ID:5244329

Gee, G W; Stiver, J F; Borchert, H R

Neutron fluxes from shielded neutron moisture probes need to be measured to evaluate total radiation exposure from these instruments. Theoretical considerations suggest that for 100 mCi Am-Be neutron moisture probes the fast neutron flux can be relatively high and contribute significantly to the radiation exposure of probe operators. Measured radiation dose levels at the surface of 100 mCi Am-Be neutron probes manufactured by Troxler Laboratories were found to be as high as 37 m Rem/hour which exceeds reported levels by as much as 38 times. This was believed to be due to nonreporting of fast neutron fluxes. It was mentioned that conventional field use of these probes may present a radiation hazard to operators if the probe is hand carried for periods which exceed three hours per week. It was recommended that the probe be transported to and from sites inside a wooden storage crate and be kept at least 1 m from personnel. Also, to improve the radiation safety factor for on site use, it was recommended that a hand cart be used to transport the probe.

• Research Organization: North Dakota State Univ., Fargo
• OSTI ID: 5244329
• Journal Information: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States) Vol. 40:4; ISSN SSSJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTINIDES
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
AMERICIUM
BARYONS
BERYLLIUM
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
DOSES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ELEMENTS
FAST NEUTRONS
FERMIONS
FLUX DENSITY
HADRONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IRRADIATION
LOW DOSE IRRADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALS
MOISTURE GAGES
NEUTRON FLUX
NEUTRONS
NUCLEONS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOLOGICAL PERSONNEL
RECOMMENDATIONS
TRANSPLUTONIUM ELEMENTS
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS