Status of ground contamination problem
A brief account of the widespread contamination arising from ruthenium emissions in the Redox process is given. Physical nature, radiochemistry and persistence of the offending particles are outlined. Notes on the relevant biological and biophysical experimentation bearing on the problem are given. As a base point, a particle reading 100 mrads per hour on routine survey has anticipated linear dimensions of about 40 microns, contains about 1.1 ..mu..c Ru/sup 103/,/sup 106/ and can give a skin contact dose of about 160,000 rads in 24 hours. It is estimated that this particulate irradiation would be more nearly equivalent to 200-2000 rads (perhaps approx.300 rads) as conventionally given over a small extended area (a few cm/sup 2/). Inhalation and ingestion hazards are also considered; with some reservations these are less likely to be critical under existing conditions of contamination. It is suggested that the probability of a significant injury to personnel off-site is so low that a demonstrable public health hazard does not exist. On the reservation there appears to be the potential for uncomfortable superficial injury to tissue. No evidence of such injury has been noted.
- Research Organization:
- Hanford Works, Richland, WA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01350
- OSTI ID:
- 5498659
- Report Number(s):
- HW-33068; ON: DE86013646
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Declassified May 1973
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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