[ RadSafe ] Collective Dose and colorimetric dosimeters

[Jerry Cohen]

The concept of collective dose may be administratively convenient, but unless 
one accepts LNT as scientifically valid, the whole idea is nonsense. For 
example, take two situations where 1000 man-rem are received. In the first, one 
person receives a 1000 rem dose, in the second, one million people each receive 
a 1.0 mrem dose. Both cases result in 1000 man-rem. Is the harm done equivalent? 
I think not.



________________________________
From: "Perle, Sandy" <SPerle at mirion.com>
To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics) Mailing List 
<radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu>
Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 9:05:28 AM
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Collective Dose and colorimetric dosimeters

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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