Simulation of Personal Protective Equipment Exposure to Radioactive Particulates

Abstract

Airborne radioactive particulates are a significant hazard facing first responders in nuclear-related incidents. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used to reduce wearer exposure to the emitted radiation, but does not offer complete protection. The objective of this project is to create a realistic dosimetric model of the human arm, protected by a sleeve, which can eventually be developed into a tool to assess the dose received by the wearer in the event of radiological particulate exposure. A two-fold approach will be employed whereby: (1) a particle transport model will be used to determine the regional radioactive particulate concentrations; and (2) this concentration data will then be incorporated into a dosimetric model that will use the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code to determine the dose imparted to the tissue. Future models will consider whole body dose and be invaluable in the development of radiation exposure policies and procedures.