Experimental Evaluation of the Radiation Protection Afforded by Typical Oak Ridge Homes Against Distributed Sources

Abstract

This report is published in the interest of providing information which may prove of value to the reader in his study of effects data derived principally from nuclear weapons tests. This document is based on information available at the time of preparation which may have subsequently been expanded and re-evaluated. Also, in preparing this report for publication, some classified material may have been removed. Users are cautioned to avoid interpretations and conclusions based on unknown or incomplete data.

Reduction factors for wooden houses due to external γ-radiation based on in situ measurements after the Fukushima nuclear accident

“…All of the measurements were collected before decontamination began. It is noted that the difference in methods of selecting the locations for the indoor measurements and of obtaining the outdoor dose between in this study and in the experimental study utilizing 60 Co reported in the CEX-59.13 16 . For the latter, the readings of dosimeters placed along the axis which ran through the center of the house were used as the indoor dose and the infinite-plane dose rate at a height of 1 m was used as the outdoor dose.…”

“…The IAEA-TECDOC-1162 document gives the representative reduction (shielding) factor range of 0.2 to 0.5 for one- and two-story wooden frame homes. This range was determined by experimental results of full scale structures using a radioactive source 15 16 . The frequency reduction factor distribution measured experimentally for wooden frame houses, which is referred to as the CEX-59.13 16 , is also plotted in Fig.…”

“… The median reduction factor with an interquartile range is 0.43 (0.34–0.53). The frequency reduction factor distribution measured experimentally for wooden frame houses, which is referred to as the CEX-59.13 16 , is also plotted as closed squares. …”

Building Protection Against External Ionizing Fallout Radiation

“…A collection of lightweight, in-use, single family residences (80 to 250 m 2 footprint) were studied using Co-60 roof and ground sources [46], [47]. The exterior wall material ranged from wood siding, Cemesto panels (Figure B10), stucco, and concrete block.…”

An Approach to the Study of Social and Psychological Effects of Nuclear Attack

“…Even minimal shielding can afford a high level of protection in most areas contaminated by local fallout (12,26,36,20). Further, fallout accumulates in a visible layer of dust, ashes, and mud, and can be removed by sweeping and washing.…”