radguide

7 Radiation for Radionuclide Users A. Introduction Radionuclides in various chemical and physical forms have become extremely important tools in modern research. The ionizing radiations emitted by these materials, however, can pose a hazard to human health. For this reason, special precautions must be observed when radionuclides are used. The possession and use of radioactive materials in the United States is governed by strict regulatory controls. The primary regulatory authority for most types and uses of radioactive materials is the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). However, more than half of the states in the U.S. (including Iowa) have entered into “agreement” with the NRC to assume regulatory control of radioactive material use within their borders. As part of the agreement process, the states must adopt and enforce regulations comparable to those found in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations for control of radioactive material use in Iowa are found in Chapter 136C of the Iowa Code. For most situations, the types and maximum quantities of radioactive materials possessed, the manner in which they may be used, and the individuals authorized to use radioactive materials are stipulated in the form of a “specific” license from the appropriate regulatory authority. In Iowa, this authority is the Iowa Department of Public Health. However, for certain institutions which routinely use large quantities of numerous types of radioactive materials, the exact quantities of materials and details of use may not be specified in the license. Instead, the license grants the institution the authority and responsibility for setting the specific requirements for radioactive material use within its facilities. These licensees are termed “broadscope” and require a Radiation Safety Committee and usually a full-time Radiation Safety Officer. At Iowa State University, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has the responsibility for ensuring that all individuals who work with radionuclides are aware of both the potential hazards associated with the use of these materials and the proper precautions to employ in order to minimize these hazards. As a means to accomplish this objective, EH&S has established a radiation safety training program. This written training guide has been prepared by EH&S as part of this program. The training guide provides a discussion of the fundamental principles of ionizing radiation, radioactivity, and radiation safety. The information provided on these topics is fairly comprehensive in the hope that the written material may be of value to the radionuclide user as a future reference. Additional sources of information on radiation safety and related topics have been compiled and listed in the bibliography at the back of this guide.