Re: Ra226/K40

[William V Lipton <liptonw@dteenergy.com>]

NCRP Report No. 50, "Environmental Radiation Measurements", Section 2.2.2,
pages 16ff, discusses the distribution of radionuclides in soil.  Table 2.7
lists mean specific activities for Ra-226 and K-40 of 8.0 E-13 Ci/g and 1.0
E-11 Ci/g, respectively.  This is a ratio of 0.08.  However the table also
shows that these can vary by a factor of approximately 2-3, so your value is
on the chart.

The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
It's  not about dose, it' about trust.

Bill Lipton
liptonw@dteenergy.com

James Reese wrote:

> While reviewing some soil sample data I noticed a consistent ratio between
> Radium 226 and K 40 of 0.04.  Our background data showed a similar ratio;
> 0.5.  I have looked through my old text books but have not found a
> consistent ratio nor can I find a reasonable explanation as to why such a
> ratio exists.  Can anyone explain this ratio?  Is this ratio true for all
> locations or just this location?
>
> James H. Reese
> Health Physicist
> (916) 689-2680 tel.
> (916) 689-6270 fax
> james.reese@worldnet.att.net
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