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

References:

  1. Handbook for Responding to a Radiological Dispersal Device, First Responder's Guide - the First 12 Hours (PDF - 4.26 MB) (Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc., September 2006, Decontamination Guidelines, page 35-38)
  2. Population Monitoring in Radiation Emergencies: A Guide for State and Local Public Health Planners (PDF - 3.66 MB) (HHS/CDC, August 2007, pages C-5 through C-7, D-1 through D-3)
  3. Manual of Protective Action Guides and Protective Actions for Nuclear Incidents (PDF - 13 MB) (EPA, 1992, EPA 400-R-92-001, pages 7-23 through 7-25)
  4. Background information on FEM-REP-22: Contamination Monitoring Guidance for Portable Instruments Used for Radiological Emergency Response to Nuclear Power Plant Accidents (PDF - 643 KB) (FEMA, October 2002)
  5. Dose assessment of inhaled radionuclides in emergency situations (Health Protection Agency/United Kingdom and Treatment Initiatives After Radiological Accidents (TIARA) project/European Commission, August 2007)
  6. Management of Persons Contaminated with Radionuclides: Scientific and Technical Bases (NCRP Report No. 161, Volume II), Bethesda, MD, 2010.
  7. Management of Persons Contaminated With Radionuclides: Handbook (NCRP Report No. 161, Volume I), Bethesda, MD, 2009.
  8. Approach to Optimizing Decision Making for Late-Phase Recovery from Nuclear or Radiological Terrorism Incidents, SC 5-1 (NCRP draft in progress), National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, MD.

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