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30 July 2010

Answer to Question #6573 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Nuclear Power — Nuclear Energy

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

My neighbor works as an engineer on a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with the nuclear reactors and its reactor systems. Should I be concerned for my family or my own health when we visit his home and ride in his car or sit in his home on the chance my neighbor might have radioactive material on his clothes from the environment that he works in?

Good question! I spent eight years in Naval Nuclear Power (although on a submarine), so I think I should be able to help out a bit.

I have to admit to being somewhat biased, but I think that most radiation safety professionals (in the military and out) will acknowledge that the Navy has one of the best radiation safety programs in the world. I can assure you, based on my personal experience, that you are not at risk from visiting your neighbor—the routine radiation surveys we performed were enough to make sure that there just isn't a chance of bringing radioactive contamination home. In fact, in all my time in the Navy (plus keeping in touch with friends after I got out), I never heard of anyone who ended up with potentially dangerous levels of radioactivity on their clothes or in their homes.

One thing to keep in mind, too, is that we can detect incredibly small levels of radiation and radioactivity—far lower than what can cause any problems. It's the equivalent of being able to see a single grain of sand, even though it takes a rather large rock before you have to start worrying about the risk.

P. Andrew Karam, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on 26 June 2007. 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.