With the right tools and attention to detail, you can quickly and easily measure ionizing radiation.You can learn the ins and outs of using detection devices and learn about the different ways of measuring radiation.The count rate is the number of particles released by unstable atoms in a specific amount of time.Measuring count rate alone can be dangerous.Measure the radiation dose and identify the type of radiation present to assess health risk.
Step 1: You can purchase a detection device at a lab supplier.
Radiation meters can be found online or at a laboratory supplier.Personal dosimeters are one of the devices that detect radiation.Devices can detect, measure, or do both.The easiest way to find radioactive contamination is by using a Geiger counter.Some Geiger counters measure both radioactivity and radiation exposure, while others only measure radioactivity.Digital devices that measure both values for $300 to $500 are more accurate than those used professionally.A meter that only measures one factor is available for around $100.x-ray technicians use personal dosimeters to track their radiation dose.When radiation dose levels reach unhealthy levels, these devices sound an alarm, but they can't be used to find radioactive material.
Step 2: If necessary, set the device to the lowest scale.
The scale of the radiation detector's display can be adjusted with a switch or button.The scale should be set to "x1" to ensure an accurate reading.There is a scale of counts per minute in intervals of 100.There's an additional scale for meters that measure both radioactivity and exposure.Take a reading of 100 cpm and measure radioactivity.The actual count is 10 times 100, or 1,000 cpm, if the scale is set to x10 instead of x1.If you measure dose rate and get a reading of 0.01 mSv/h, it looks safe.The dose rate is 1 mSv/h if your scale is set to x 100.Setting the scale is important for meters.It is not necessary for most meters with digital displays.Specific operating instructions can be found in the device's manual.
Step 3: If you have an analog meter, make a battery check.
There is a switch labeled "range" or a "bat" button.If you want to check the display, press the button or flip the switch.If the needle doesn't move to the "bat test" area, replace the battery.If you have a specific meter, check your manual for battery replacement instructions.When it's time to replace the battery, you'll see an icon or indication such as "low bat."It's important to perform a test or check a digital display first if the battery is low.
Step 4: Hold the probe close to the surface you are surveying.
You can either pass a wand or the device over the surface to take a reading.Don't touch the end of the meter if you hold it by its grip.Don't allow the end of the device or wand to touch the object or person you're surveying.Check the cable between the main body and the wand on your device.At either end, look for nicks or loose connections.The cable should be gently wiggled when the device is on.The cable is faulty if the readings start to change.
Step 5: The probe should be moved about 1 to 2 in per second.
As you slowly pass the device or wand over the surface, listen to the audio response on the display.If the needle or digital display number spikes or the audio response ticks faster, stop moving the probe.You can get an accurate measurement by pausing over the area where your numbers spiked.If you are scanning a person, start at their head, then pass the probe over their chest and back in circles.Scan their hands, feet, and soles of their feet when they pass the meter straight up and down.
Step 6: The scale should be adjusted if necessary.
If you use a meter with an analog face, it will likely have a list of cpm numbers in 100 up to 500.A scale that lists both cpm and mSv/hr will be included in the meter.You need to set the meter to the next highest scale in order to get an accurate reading if the needle jumps.The actual count is 1,300 cpm.The counts can only be displayed if the meter is set tox1.You'll get an accurate measurement if you set it to 10x.
Step 7: You can use a counter that measures counts per second.
A device that counts the number of particles emitted by a radioactive substance is used to measure radioactivity.The becquerel is equal to 1 particle, or count, per second.You might find a counter that displays Bq or counts per second.Radioactive atoms try to become stable by releasing matter or energy.The process is called radioactivity.They can only detect radioactivity, so they can't give precise information about exposure or dose.
Step 8: A background reading is done.
Make sure the battery is working properly by turning on your device.Hold the device or wand over a cold spot, or something you don't suspect to be radioactive.You should get a reading between 5 and 100 cpm because background radiation is everywhere.The average background radiation in your area can be found online.Make sure your device is working by comparing your readings with this range.60 counts per minute equals 1 count per second.To convert your meter to cpm, multiply the reading by 60.A reading of 0.4 Bq would be 24cpm.There are several factors that affect background radiation.The count would be higher on a mountain or in a plane if the elevation received more radiation from space.
Step 9: Slowly, pass the meter over the object.
Hold the device or wand over the person or object.Don't be surprised if you see a jump in readings by 5pm then a drop by 10pm.Stop moving the probe for 5 to 10 seconds if the audio response is faster or the numbers spike dramatically.
Step 10: Check the counts more than the background reading.
When scanning, keep your background reading in mind.A count more than 100 cpm higher than the background reading indicates radioactive contamination.If your background reading is 10 to 20 cpm, what time would it be?A count of 160 cpm is not enough to cause immediate danger.A reading of 3,000 or 10,000 cpm might be cause for concern.A background reading of 100 cpm is considered an alert level in the U.S.You can find the standards for your state or province online.A cpm measurement does not tell you the type or dose of radiation present.Some types of radiation are more harmful than others, so a cpm measurement alone can't tell you if a radioactive substance is dangerous.
Step 11: An online calculator can be used to estimate your annual dose.
It is possible to get a rough estimate of your radiation exposure.You can calculate your annual dose by entering the area you live, how long you have spent on a plane, and other information into an online tool.You can calculate your radiation dose at theepa.gov.
Step 12: A device that measures Grays or sieverts can be used to identify the radiation dose.
Some detection devices can measure the amount of radiation absorbed by a person.The unit for this measurement is called the radiation absorbed dose.The Gray (Gy) is the standard unit used internationally.A device that shows the amount of dose may display it in a number of ways.The health risk of an absorbed dose of radiation is measured by the Sievert.A Sievert is equal to a millisievert.Ambient radiation is not measured as accurately as ionized chambers.ionized chambers are more expensive and harder to use.
Step 13: If necessary, set your device to detect a specific type of radiation.
Some meters measure exposure rate and need to be adjusted for a specific type of radiation.You can use buttons to switch between settings on a device with a digital display.calibrate the type of radiation with specific instructions in your user guide.In order to switch between radiation types, some devices need to be manually opened and closed.Specific types of radiation may be adjusted by your device.To be sure, check your manual.
Step 14: Move the meter slowly.
Pass the device over the surface at a rate of 1 to 2 in per second.Don't let the end of the wand touch anything.If the meter spikes, stop for 5 to 10 seconds.Remember that rad and gy measure a dose and mSv measures health risk.If your device measures radiation dose in mSv, you will know the biological risk and won't have to make any further calculations.The average person is exposed to 2 to 4 mSv/a each year.High radiation areas include the inside of a nuclear power plant.
Step 15: The dose and quality factor are used to assess the biological risk.
If your device doesn't measure mSv/h, you can use a rad measurement to calculate biological risk.The quality factor is a number that describes the effect of radiation on organic tissue.If you want to compare your measurement to the type's quality factor, you can use your meter.Alpha particles have a quality factor of 20 and are the most harmful type of radiation.The formula Sv is used for radiation from protons and neutrons.The quality factor of x-rays is 1.The unit roentgen equivalent man is sometimes used instead of the Sievert in the U.S.The formula rem is rad x Q.