Dosimeters with low activity neutron sources

["Rob Gunter" <rgunter@SEC-TN.COM>]

Greetings All,



I have recently heard of one of operators of these sources (AmBE) that had a

relatively low dose rate at one meter, getting overexposed due to incorrect

handling.  Apparently the source got stuck and they tried to free it.  A

personal dosimeter could provide valuable information regarding the actual

dose to the extremity of this person.



I am far removed from the event so please don't ask for more info (that I

don't have), but was asked some questions about doses by a friend of the

individual who was worried about the potential overexposure.  Using the

inverse square law, it is easy to see how a couple of mr at 1 meter

translates into hefty doses on contact.



Dosimeters have multiple uses, not just measuring whole body dose.  Whether

or not the dosimeter will provide valuable information depends on the

dosimeter and the event circumstances.  Something to think about when

shopping around.



Rob



Robert J. Gunter, CHP



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