Evaluation of Low-Tech Indoor Remediation Methods Following Wide Area Radiological/Nuclear Incidents
Citation:
U.S. EPA. Evaluation of Low-Tech Indoor Remediation Methods Following Wide Area Radiological/Nuclear Incidents. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-17/021, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
This study identified, collected, and evaluated available articles, reports, guidance documents, and other pertinent information related to common housekeeping activities within the United States. This resulted in a compendium including relevant information about multiple low-tech cleaning methods from the literature search results. Through discussion and prioritization, an EPA project team, made up of several EPA scientists and emergency responders, focused the information into a list of 14 housekeeping activities for decontamination evaluation testing. These types of activities are collectively referred to as “low-tech” remediation methods because of the comparative simple tools, equipment, and operations involved. Similarly, eight common household surfaces were chosen that were contaminated using three different contamination conditions. Thirty-three combinations of methods and surfaces were chosen for testing under the three contamination conditions for a total of 99 tests. The objective of the work described here is to collect information and experimental data needed for technical experts to provide simple and useful guidance for residents of the effects of using low-tech remediation options available in the United States.
Description:
Report