Less than 2 times background radiation as target for acceptable level of residual contamination after decontamination procedures
In a large mass casualty setting with scarce resources and many victims, the target for acceptable levels of residual external contamination may need to be revised upward (from <2 times background) by authorized response leaders1, 2
Acceptable levels of residual external contamination: origin of the target levels for decontamination
Originally specified in a key 1992 EPA document as <2 times existing background levels3
Newer guidance documents recommend considering a value of counts per minute (CPM) over background, taking into account several factors including1, 2, 4
The number of people who need to be surveyed
The type and settings of the survey equipment used
The type of contamination identified (alpha, beta, gamma)
Guidance from HPA is particularly helpful for evaluating and triaging after inhalation of radionuclides.5
Guidance from NCRP is also useful in managing contaminated patients.6, 7
NCRP is preparing a document about late phase recovery8