Operational Health Physics Considerations for Working with Radioactive Nanomaterials: Guidance from NCRP Report 176

Details

• Personal Author:
  Hoover M ; Myers DS ; Smith R
• Description:
  The majority of current operational health physics guidance for handling dispersible radioactive materials is based on micrometer-sized particles. Specific guidance relating to the handling of radioactive nanomaterials has been lacking. Many of the elements of a standard radiation safety program for handling radioactive materials (e.g., ALARA, external dosimetry, the use of HEPA filtration, shielding, and administrative controls) are directly applicable, or are applicable with minor modification, to handling radioactive nanomaterials. However, there are some radiation safety program elements that may require additional consideration including contamination control, air sampling, the use of protective clothing, respirator fitting, the use of hoods for local ventilation, and internal dosimetry. In addition to the potential radiological hazard associated with radioactive nanomaterials, the potential physicochemical toxicity of the nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes) needs to be considered as they may lead to exposure limits that are lower than those associated with the radioactivity alone. This presentation provides a summary of the radiation safety program elements that are applicable to working with radioactive nanomaterials, as well as the operational guidance for specific program elements that may need to be modified. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Behavior Biochemistry Blood Environmental Monitoring Hazardous Substances Lung Occupational Health Particulate Matter Personal Protective Equipment Protective Clothing Radiation Radiation Dosimeters Respiratory Protective Devices Respiratory System Safety Ventilation

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• Keywords:
  Air Sampling Biokinetics Carbon Nanotubes Dosimetry HEPA Filters High-efficiency Particulate Air Filters Models Nanomaterials Nanotechnology Organs Particle Size Particulates Protective Clothing Pulmonary System Radiation Measurement Radiation Protection Radioactive Materials Radioactive Particles Radiological Hazards Radionuclides Respirators Safety Programs Toxins Ventilation Hoods

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• ISSN:
  0017-9078
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 3 ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  RHD - Respiratory Health Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  113
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20050594
• Citation:
  Health Phys 2017 May; 113(1):S78
• Email:
  davesmyers1@comcast.net
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon nanotubes (CAS RN 308068-56-6)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2017
• NORA Priority Area:
  Manufacturing
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Health Physics
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:510f0e317a50b54834e4260df612edbbaa17df6428130574cdd9297ee229baf73fe4d5e9e49d394cc4a1060f78763f54088b8f68e3876337f38acec5e2324964
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210876/cdc_210876_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 85.29 KB ]