For abstract, see NSA 26 16, number 38490.

"Published May 1972." "SWRHL-93r." Cover title. "This study performed under a memorandum of understanding (no. SF 54 373) for the Nevada Operations Office, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission." Includes bibliographical references.

Data obtained from two concurrent dosimetry networks operated by the Western Environmental Research Laboratory in Nevada, one utilizing film badges and the other thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) are compared. Gamma exposures from a few mR to approximately 1R due to both natural background and fission products in the environment are more easily and accurately measured by the TLD system. Where the minimum detectable exposure for film is about 45 mR, the TLD sensitivity is on the order of 1 mR (which allows measurement of monthly background exposures). The insensitivity of TLD's to environmental heating, humidity, light damage, and pressure makes them ideal for use in the extreme conditions encountered in the desert. Heat damage to the film was seasonal with the greatest losses occurring in the summer. During July, 1967, 71% of the film badges issued were heat or light damaged, while no loss of TLD data occured. No background information was obtained from film data during 1967, but the geographical variations in the background exposure rates were clearly disclosed by the TLD's.