Exposures From Thoriated Welding Rods

[LIPTONW@dteenergy.com]

I recommend the following, recently published paper to all HP's who work at 
sites involving welding: 
 
Jankovic, J.T., et. al., "Exposures from Thorium Contained in Thoriated 
Tungsten Welding Electrodes," American Industrial Hygiene Association
Journal 
(May/June 1999) 60:384-389 (1999) 
 
Although radiation exposures from these rods are exempt from NRC regulation 
(see    10 CFR 40.13(c)(1)(iii)), we sometimes address concerns from
welders, 
especially when contamination is found.  This paper, which includes a
thorough 
list of references, is useful in addressing this, and may also be useful in 
establishing control measures; eg, most of the exposure is from sharpening
the 
rods, not from the welding process. 
 
The opinions expressed are strictly mine. 
It's not about dose, it's about trust. 
 
Bill Lipton 
liptonw@dteenergy.com 

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