[ RadSafe ] Collective Dose and colorimetric dosimeters

[Perle, Sandy]

Having worked with the colorimetric dosimeters, I concur that they are not sensitive enough to be useful at doses less than several rem (perhaps 50 mSv). These should not be used by individuals who require knowledge of their dose, and a standard passive or active dosimeter should be worn and dose documented. The usefulness of a colorimetric dosimeter is solely if one wants to use the device as a go/no-go high dose potential, where the individual can then leave the area, waiting for support from knowledgeable responders who have the appropriate monitoring equipment. Another significant issue with a colorimetric dosimeter is the lower the dose threshold, the shorter the shelf-life, as well as being affected by other environmental influence factors.

Regards,

Sandy

-----------------------------------
Sander C. Perle
President
Mirion Technologies
Dosimetry Services Division
2652 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614

+1 (949) 296-2306 (Office)
+1 (949) 296-1130 (Fax)

Mirion Technologies: http://www.mirion.com/


-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of ??? ???
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 1:20 AM
To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics) MailingList
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Collective Dose and colorimetric dosimeters

I agree with Bill and will be happy to get comments on a similar issue:
Subject: Hospital preparedness to radiological emergencies, either accidents or terror, not nuclear.
I believe all will agree that hospital first receivers should be monitored to possible exposure.
 I hope too all will agree that the majority of them, or a great number, are not "radiation workers", hence are "members of the public" regarding doses.
Colorimetric dosimeters are now on the market (RADview, SIRAD) and are much chipper the EPDs. So there is a tendency to purchase them instead of EPAs.

Question: Hospital first receiver's possible exposure may be much lowers then that of first responders acting on the scene - true or false?

If true, then since colorimetric badges are not sensitive do doses smaller the several rems, do not give dose rate indication or alarm, and that there is no way to learn exact dose, there is a need of a better measuring unit.

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