Humans are exposed every day to low doses of radiation from natural sources, including cosmic and solar radiation, radiation from the earth (rocks, soil, vegetation, and groundwater), and radiation from building materials (sand, stone, brick, gypsum, and granite). Radiation can occur at higher levels if these natural sources are technologically enhanced, released into the accessible environment, or used in industrial, commercial, and consumer products. In addition, doses of radiation can be created by humans (e.g., x-rays, nuclear power cycle, nuclear weapons production, radar, communication transmitters, and lasers). High doses of ionizing radiation can cause cancer, harm fetuses, damage tissues, and even cause death. However, these effects are generally avoidable, given our modern understanding of the dosimetry and health effects of radiation, and the ability to measure radiation doses accurately and predict them through modeling. ToxStrategies’ capabilities and experience related to assessing and managing the risks of exposure to radiation include:
Radiation and Dose Measurement
- Sampling and analysis plans
- Occupational radiation dose measurement
- Radioactive material surveys
- Radiofrequency radiation emitter measurement
- Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) determinations
- Data validation
- Statistical analysis of data
Radiation Safety Programs
- Radioactive waste management and disposal plans
- Facility radiation protection programs
- Radon exposure mitigation plans
- Radiofrequency protection plans
- Radiation accident response monitoring and planning
- Ionizing and nonionizing radiation training
Radiation Risk Assessment
- Radiation-contaminated site risk assessment
- Risk assessment of radioactivity in commercial and consumer products
- Radon exposure risk assessment
- RESRAD modelling
Nuclear Systems Accident Analysis
- Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Event and Fault Tree Analysis (ETA, FTA)
- Monte Carlo analysis of variability and uncertainty
- Nuclear waste handling and storage risk analysis
- Development of nuclear plant safety display systems based on PRA
