Dosimetry studies pertaining to the accident at TMI-2 [Three Mile Island Unit 2]

The objectives of the dosimetry task group of the Kemeny Commission staff were to estimate the radiation doses to both Three Mile Island (TMI) workers and to the general public within 50 mi of the damaged reactor. At the beginning of the task group's work, it had access to hard data from the thermoluminescent (TLD) system only, and a detailed study was initiated to make use of these data. This study included calibration evaluations, considering the effects of photon energy and angle of incidence on response per unit exposure, as well as natural background and other factors that might influence the interpretation of the readings. A second set of data was developed during the analysis of the air-handling equipment of the auxiliary and fuel handling buildings. A third part of the task groups's work was directed toward the estimation of population doses based on both the TLD and vent release data. A final study by the task group involved the exposure of the on-site workers at TMI. It is noteworthy that, in the face of the dose estimates shown in the original and revised impact statement for the cleanup operation, the actual doses experienced in each facet of the cleanup generally have been less than projected, usually by a significant factor. Also, the annual person-rem totals for the cleanup have averaged less than those for a normal operating pressurized water reactor