Re: NCRP/NRC recommendations on dose limits for hot particles

[jack bell <bellstar@erols.com>]

William V Lipton wrote:

> The issue has become moot since the new 10 CFR 20 took effect.  Under the
> old 10 CFR 20, the dose limit to the skin was 7.5 rems per calendar
> quarter.  There was a good chance of exceeding this dose from a hot
> particle.  A typical "fuel flea" could give you this dose through your
> protective clothing in less than an hour.  Thus, even though the risk from
> exposure to a small surface area is minimal, this generated a reportable
> event.  Under the new 10 CFR 20, the skin dose limit is 50 rems per year.
> This is unlikely to be exceeded by a hot particle exposure.
>

William,

Not so.  The dose rate at a hot particle can be extremely high.

Jack Bell, bellstar@erols.com

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