Re: Real surface activity levels for unrestricted release of materials

[Andrew Karam <karam.1@osu.edu>]

Dear Eric -

We try to get rid of as much as possible that meets release criteria.  Most
of what we have does not emit sufficiently high-energy gammas to be
detected by a monitor, and only BFI has entry monitors in Ohio (or so I'm
told), so this is not a high-risk exercise for us.  Anything we have that
is short-lived (I-131, for example) we usually store for decay before
disposal, even if it meets our release criteria.  But we do not
deliberately hold material that meets Reg Guide 1.86 (and subsequent)
release criteria.

Andy

The opinions expressed above are well-reasoned and insightful.  Needless to
say, they are not those of my employer. (with apologies to Michael Feldman)		

Andrew Karam, CHP  (karam.1@osu.edu)		(614) 292-1284 (phone)
The Ohio State University 				(614) 292-7002 (fax)
Office of Radiation Safety				"The mind is not a vessel to
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