Answer to Question #1004 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Doses and Dose Calculations — External dose calculations

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

During the 1950s at atomic weapons laboratory facilities, what type of dosimetry badges, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), or film were worn? Were they worn to detect beta or gamma radiation or both—depending on the materials being handled in such a facility?

The atomic weapons laboratories were using film dosimeters starting in the 1940s and they continued to use film until the 1970s. The film dosimeters were used for beta, gamma, and neutron radiation. The design of the dosimeters varied by laboratory and would have measured different mixes of radiation even at the same laboratory. Different types of film were used for different mixes, in particular, if neutrons were measured. The laboratories transitioned to TLDs for beta and gamma during the 1970s. The different laboratories changed to TLDs at different times. Many continued to measure neutrons with film through the 1980s when TLD, track-etch, and other methods finally eliminated film at the national laboratories.

Joseph L. Alvarez, CHP

Answer posted on July 3, 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.