aspects of rad. exposure of minors

["Les Slaback, Health Physics" <SLABACK@micf.nist.gov>]

Despite a superficial reading of 10CFR20 public dose IS permitted in
restricted areas.  That is, all exposures in restricted areas does not have
to be categorized as occupational dose.  NRC has publically stated this
and has a rule making in progress to clarify this.

Hence for minors in restricted areas the first judgement to be made is
whether they are members-of-the-public or whether they are subject to
occupational dose limits.
In the former case life is simple- public dose limits apply.
In the latter case the more restrictive dose limit (500 mrem) results in a
monitoring threshold of 50 mrem.  So actions might be required, e.g.,
issuance of dosimetry, that would not be needed if the minor were classed as
a member-of-the-public.
In most cases actual exposures are negligible so the distinction in simply
one impacting records. Note that 10CFR19 requirements currently are
independent of this issue (unless the proposed changes go into effect).
But areas where significant exposures can occur, e.g., medical waiting rooms
containing radiating patients, raise interesting questions on whether a
minor is receiving occupational dose.  Note that NRC does not consider
employment to be an essential issue in this decision process.  Volunteers
can certainly qualify.

How is that for stirring things up.

SLABACK@MICF.NIST.GOV
   ...a little risk, like a bit of spice, adds flavor to life