Radioactive Decontamination Procedures
Radiation Can Be Caused By a Variety of Sources
- Naturally Occurring Materials. Example: Radon in Mining
- Industrial and Medical Radioisotopes. Example: Tracer Elements
- High Voltage Devices. Example: X-Ray Machines and Radar Generators
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Effects of Radiation
Radiation Can Destroy the Capacity for Cell Reproduction and/or Cause Cell Mutation.A Person Exposed to Radiation is at Risk of:
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Cataracts
- Organ Failure
- Abortion
- Bone Marrow Damage
How to Decontaminate Radiation
Decontamination can be accomplished through a range of methods. The different methods employed depend on who or what needs to be decontaminated.Decontamination can be accomplished through a range of methods. The different methods employed depend on who or what needs to be decontaminated. Click To Tweet
Areas
- Area contamination includes rooms, floors, table and bench tops, and other surfaces
- Extent of contamination must be determined through a detailed survey
- Affected areas should be outlined with a magic marker or wax pencil, and cleaned up promptly
Procedure for Small Areas with Dry Contamination
- Press duct or masking tape to affected area and remove
Procedure for Large Areas
- Apply a decontamination solution
- Move from low- to high-activity areas
- Use a brush where sponges or towels are insufficient
- Abrasives, acids, bases, and organic solvents can also be used
Personnel
- Skin contamination can be removed by applying ordinary soap and cool water
- Work the soap into a good lather
- Wash affected areas for several minutes
- Monitor affected areas before and after to determine effectiveness of decontamination
Equipment
There are Two Types of Equipment Decontamination Techniques- Corrosive
- Non-Corrosive
- Size of Equipment
- Extent of Decontamination
- Chemical Form of Decontamination
- Construction of Equipment