Measurement of Radon, Thoron, Isotopic Uranium and Thorium to Determine Occupational and Environmental Exposure and Risk at Fernald Feed Material Production Center

There are three basic research objectives. (1) To develop an accurate personal and area radon/thoron (222Rn/220Rn) detector for accurate measurement of the exposure to low airborne concentrations of these gases during remediation at Fernald. These are to be used to determine atmospheric dispersion and exposure to radon and thoron prior to and during retrieval and removal of the 4000 Ci of radium (226Ra) in the two silos at Fernald . (2) To develop a miniature personal (or area) aerosol particle size sampler that will operate continuously for weeks of continuous sampling under adverse conditions such as outdoors. Aerosol particle size is the major determinant of lung dose and without a measurement of the inhaled aerosol particle size accurate lung dosimetry cannot be obtained. No DOE site, with the exception of Fernald, is measuring the inhaled particle size spectrum for dosimetric purposes. (3) To develop the sequential radiochemistry necessary to measure any environmental sample (soil or water) for 228,230,232Th, 226,228Ra, 234,235,238U and 210Pb. To utilize the radiochemistry to accurately trace and delineate these nuclides in the environment