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Environmental monitoring plays a large role in the field of radiological control. Environmental monitoring is used to estimate human population doses, determine the impact a site has on the environment, monitor for unplanned releases as well as quantifying planned releases, and gives us data useful in determining pathway data. This data can then be analyzed, and such information as critical nuclides and critical pathways can then be determined. The Radiological Control organization is generally interested in determining activity in the ambient air, in surface water and sediments, in ground water wells, as well as ambient dose rates in the environment.

A radioactive source is material used for its emitted radiation. Sources are constructed as sealed or unsealed and are classified as accountable or exempt.

DOE Order 440.1 mandates the requirements for a respiratory protection program contained in 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2.

Inhalation of radioactive particles is the largest cause of internal dose. Airborne radioactivity measurements are necessary to ensure that the control measures are effective and continue to be effective. Regulations govern the allowable effective dose equivalent to an individual. The effective dose equivalent is determined by combining the external and internal dose equivalent values. Typically, airborne radioactivity levels are maintained well below allowable levels to keep the total effective dose equivalent small.

Contamination control is probably one of the most difficult and challenging tasks the Radiological Control Technician will encounter. To have a successful contamination control program, the radiological control staff must have considerable foresight, initiative, and experience.

Radiation dosimetry is the branch of science that attempts to quantitatively relate specific measures made in a radiation field to chemical and/or biological changes that the radiation would produce in a target. Dosimetry is essential for quantifying the incidence of various biological changes as a function of the amount of radiation received (dose-effect relationships), for comparing different experiments, for monitoring the radiation exposure of individuals, and for surveillance of the environment.

Radiological sample analysis involves observation of a random process, one that may or may not occur, and estimation of the amount of radioactive material present based on that observation. All over the country radiation protection personnel are using activity measurements to make decisions that may affect the health and safety of workers at those facilities and their surrounding environments.

Subject: FutureGen Near-Zero Emission Power Plant By: Victor Der, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy

Good communication is important in everyday life to make sure our message is clear, understood, and received. A clear concise communication eliminates confusion and the possibility of misunderstanding. It is important that the receiver understand the communication without unnecessary interpretation or guess work.

Subject: The President's 2010 Budget for Department of Energy By: Secretary Steven Chu