A Performance-Based Approach to the Use of Swipe Samples in Response to a Radiological or Nuclear Incident
Citation:
U.S. EPA. A Performance-Based Approach to the Use of Swipe Samples in Response to a Radiological or Nuclear Incident. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-11/122, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
This document describes the various swipe techniques that may be used to sample surfaces contaminated by radioactive materials following an incident such as the detonation of an improvised nuclear device (IND) or a radiological dispersal device (RDD) (“dirty bomb”). While simple in concept, procedures used to take a swipe sample may vary considerably in practice. A standard method or technique for taking swipe samples does not exist. This means the fraction of the total removable radioactive surface contamination transferred to the swipe will also vary depending on the technique used. It is anticipated that a large number of swipes will be taken, so it is essential that the data generated are accurate so that they will be useful for the decisions that need to be made. While some may be counted in the field, others will be sent to laboratories for analysis. This document was developed to provide guidance to those radioanalytical laboratories that will support EPA’s response and recovery actions following a radiological or nuclear incident.
Description:
Report